This Season Shop Local!” Say Canada’s booksellers.

“Shop Local” is a phrase that applies as much to books as to food these days. On November 15 – “Independents’ Day” – the Canadian Booksellers Association (CBA) officially launches its new marketing program to encourage Canadians to buy their books at their local independent bookstore. Tapping into the growing localism movement, Canadian independent booksellers are challenging booklovers to “Think Independent, Read Independent, Buy Independent.”

In challenging economic times, books are always the best bang for your buck” says Nancy Frater, President of Canadian Booksellers Association. “For the price of a movie, a book can open the door to another world of timeless comfort, entertainment and pleasure; for the gift giver, a book holds long-lasting value.”

The CBA also points out that independent bookstores offer their clients the chance to save money, fuel and time by shopping at one-of-a-kind stores that are part of the local economy. Furthermore, the organization points to one of the traditional strengths of the independent bookstore: informed staff who love and read books and know what to recommend.

CCBC board member Margie Wolfe, owner of Second Story Press, says, “I think it is a great idea that the booksellers are being so pro-active this season. It’s important that customers know there is a broad spectrum of retailers, independents as well as big box stores, selling a wonderful variety of Canadian books for readers of all ages.”

On November 15, 2008 independent booksellers all across the country will celebrate CBA Independents’ Day – a day designed to promote the importance of locally owned businesses to lively communities – which serves as the official launch date for CBA’s Independents Matter campaign.

Independent booksellers have been an important support to Canadian children’s books over the years. Visit your bookseller on Independents’ Day or in the following days for your own “Shop Local” experience.

For more information, visit www.cbabook.org.