Independent Bookstore Day—a “one-day national party” celebrating independent book stores—takes place this year on Saturday, April 29. Four hundred and fifty-eight bookstores from forty-eight states will participate, which is an increase from 435 stores that participated last year, Publishers Weekly reports.

The occasion, which was first established three years ago, has become an important sales day for booksellers, IBD program director Samantha Schoech told Publishers Weekly. “Nearly all of the stores reported to us that last year sales were up 200% for that day,” Schoech said. “Several said sales were up over 1,000% over their average Saturday sales for the month.”

To officially participate, booksellers must order fifteen items of Independent Bookstore Day merchandise, which Schoech said helps “connect customers to the bookstores in a unique way.” The official IBD merchandise includes a signed edition of IBD’s $6 Story series, including a short story from Michael Chabon’s latest novel, Moonglow; A Literary Cocktail Party book of recipes from writers; a literary map of the US print created by 3Fish Studios; literary tea towels; literary condoms; bookmarks; and many more. There’s a catch though, that celebrates bookstores as intimate spaces—people can only buy the merchandise in person at the brick-and-mortar stores.

But this year, the event also has a different feel—an added layer of importance, Schoech told The Los Angeles Times. “I think now, in the current climate, a lot of bookstores all over the country are committed to becoming almost sanctuaries, you know? Places where all information and all voices are respected and provided. Safe spaces where nobody is paying attention to what you’re reading…or using your reading habits to sell you stuff. I think now, more than ever, there’s a feeling that books offer us a deeper, more empathetic view of the world, from contemporary political memoirs to poetry to coloring books—all of it—and I think bookstores are really stepping up.”   

Oren Teicher, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, told Publishers Weekly, “A big part of [Independent Bookstore Day’s] success is that every indie store in the country can celebrate the day with their customers in a way that best reflects its unique character and personality.”

Each participating bookstore will celebrate the day with readings, live music, contests, scavenger hunts, and more. Find out which bookstores in your area are participating with this searchable map.

 Image: Independent Bookstore Day.