The first-ever Florida Bookstore Day takes place Saturday, Nov. 15.

The day-long event celebrates independent and used bookstores in the Sunshine State, in addition to local authors and small presses.

And it all starts here in Tampa Bay.

We’re organizing events to take place Nov. 15 at independently-owned bookstores throughout the state. In Tampa Bay, we’ve already talked to Wilson’s Book World, Inkwood Books, Back in the Day Books and others.

Bookstore Day events will vary: readings by local authors, local authors’ fairs, book signings, book releases, panels, open mics, workshops .

I’ve also reached out to local media sponsors (Creative Loafing, Tampa Bay Newspapers, LifeImprovementRadio.com.)

We’re also planning a fantastic after-party, venue to be determined. But in our area it most likely will take place in downtown St. Pete and will include an authors’ fair.

We also will reach out to bookstores, literary organizations and media sponsors in other cities as needed to make this happen.

Follow facebook.com/FloridaBookstoreDay for our updates.

We’re excited about all of the possibilities of Florida Bookstore Day and we think it’s fitting that it starts right here in Tampa Bay.