There were balloons and cupcakes galore as the book industry came together on Sunday for the official launch of Love Your Bookshop Day 2017.

Taking place on the first day of the 2017 ABA Annual Conference, the launch was attended by booksellers and publishers from all across Australia, as well as prominent digital influencers. Kicking off the festivities was author and #loveozya ambassador Danielle Binks, who spoke of the community created by bookshops and the importance of embracing local writers and younger readers as the bookshop users of the future. Author Cath Crowley (Words in Deep Blue) enchanted the crowd with her touching description of bookshops as magical places – she even met her husband in one! Also on hand was experienced bookseller Fiona Stager from Avid Reader, who gave practical tips and hints for creating the ultimate Love Your Bookshop Day (LYBD) party.

#loveyourbookshopday ambassadors Cath Crowley & Danielle Binks

 Attendees then flocked to the brightly decorated Love Your Bookshop Day trade stand, where they snapped pics in front of the rainbow balloon wall, shared #whyIlovemybookshop and snacked on colourful cupcakes.

#loveyourbookshopday is all about celebration AND sugary goodness!

This year, Love Your Bookshop Day is on Saturday August 12. Celebrate your love for bookshops by heading to your favourite bookshop and joining in the celebrations! You can find your local bookshop here.

Don’t forget to follow along in the lead up and on the day using the hash tag #loveyourbookshopday. You can also share why you think bookshops are special using the tag #whyIlovemybookshop

Love Your Bookshop Day is an initiative of the Australian Booksellers Association.