One thing that sets Brooklyn apart from some other places I’ve been is the plethora of thriving independent bookstores that host readings, give great recommendations, and are warm, inviting places to while away an hour or two after work or on a rainy weekend afternoon. On Saturday, you can show your support for your own “local” by joining the Fifth Annual Independent Bookstore Day festivities it has planned, and maybe joining the Brooklyn Book Crawl so you can check out other shops with which you are less familiar. Pick up a punch card and get it stamped at each participating store you visit to get entered into a raffle for great prizes and for admittance to the after party at Cherry Tree Bar starting at 6pm. And while you’re feeling the indie vibes (and visiting Word’s Greenpoint location), you should consider dropping by the Brooklyn Expo Center because the annual WFMU Record Fair is there all weekend with an incredible selection of vinyl to peruse alongside live music performances and broadcasts, a movie lounge screening documentaries, and food and drinks. The fair runs from 10am-7pm on Saturday, and entrance is $8.
