Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with The Book & Cover’s Fifth Annual Ink Drink

Spring has arrived, and The Book & Cover is gearing up for its much-anticipated fifth annual Ink Drink event, a lively celebration honoring readers, books, and community spirit. Taking place at 1310 Hanover Street, the festivities mark the bookstore’s fifth year of bringing literature and local joy to the neighborhood.

Kicking off the day on April 25th, the event begins early with an Audiobook Run/Walk at 8 a.m., inviting participants to enjoy exercise and stories in motion. The shop opens its doors at 9 a.m., welcoming visitors to browse fresh books and explore new merchandise.

Families are encouraged to join a special Bilingual Storytime at 10 a.m. hosted by friends from the Chattanooga School of Language, followed by fun facepainting for the kids. The day’s excitement continues with Gino D from Hits 96 playing music and doing giveaways from 10am to 12pm.

Spring blooms at the Petal Party Co. Bloom Bar, which will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., helping attendees craft the perfect spring bouquet. At Noon, visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch—either brought from home or picked up from nearby vendors Vine Street Market or Queen’s Kitchen—and settle in on the lawn for a poetry reading featuring local poets Khalil Elayan and Krantzsy Bouriquot.

The afternoon offers an engaging panel discussion at 2 p.m. about the art of audiobooks, featuring a voice actor, an editor, and local author Matthew Hubbard, who will delve into the process of creating audiobooks and the role of voices and involvement of authors.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Birthday Cake Contest at 4 p.m. invites aspiring bakers to showcase their skills for a chance to win prizes from local retailers. The day culminates with a Birthday Party at 7 p.m., where guests can enjoy snacks, beverages, prize-winning cakes, and tunes spun by DJ MCPro—a favorite local DJ.

For more details, tickets, and to sign up for events like the cake contest or Audiobook Panel, visit thebookandcover.com and click on the Calendar and Events section.

The Book & Cover team is excited to celebrate community, books, and the joy of reading with everyone this spring.

To listen to some 96 Second Book Reviews from The Book & Cover click HERE and make sure to tune in each Wednesday at 5:10pm for a NEW REVIEW each week!