The sixth annual Bookshop Day is being celebrated across the country and thanks to COVID-19, businesses are coming back into the light.
Booksellers New Zealand, which represents 190 independent shops in New Zealand, says Saturday is an opportunity for bookshops to invite their community in.
Booksellers NZ CEO Dan Slevin says the book retailing business is starting to grow again, especially after the COVID-19 lockdown.
"Lots of people have decided to get into the book retailing business, it's starting to be a booming business again," he says.
"We're seeing lots of enthusiastic young people getting into the business."
Reading's resurgence during lockdown has translated to increased book sales - with at least half-a-dozen new bookstores opening around the country in the past few months.
"I think perhaps people have rediscovered a love of reading during lockdown," Christchurch's Scorpio Books owner Tamsin Martin says.
Wellington's Jane Arthur and a friend opened bookstore 'Good Books' in Te Aro last Monday.
"Its been great, we've had such a great reception from people," she says.
"Everyone's really excited to see a new bookshop. People love books and we're so excited to get to know our community."
Rediscovering the comfort of life at a slower pace - one positive legacy from the COVID-19 pandemic.
