Ring in the New Year in the Stacks

Bookstores hosting New Year’s Eve celebrations aren’t the norm—we were only able to find a few—but think how wonderful this tradition could be: rather than waiting in the cold (or rain, or snow, depending on where you live) to partake in the ritual midnight countdown, why not curl up with a great read and sip of bubbly instead? And yes, you could just as easily do this at home, but why not switch things up a little one night of the year? Below, a sampling of bookish celebrations taking place across the country. Perhaps next year we'll see more NYE events geared to the bibliophile. 

The Bookstore Speakeasy NYE New Roaring ‘20s: True, the Bookstore Speakeasy in Bethlehem, PA, specializes in booze, not books, but anyplace named for a repository of hardbound volumes has to be good, right? The flapper-themed celebration will welcome 2020 with drinks and dancing.

Yappy New Year: A Brazos Dog New Year’s Eve Party: Dogs and books—what’s not to like? Houston’s Brazos Bookstore is hosting a canine-themed party on January 4 at 7pm. Customers are invited to bring their special fur baby for a story time and snacks.

BookBar’s Introverts New Year’s Eve Party: This Denver, Colorado-based event is sold out, but if you’re already planning for next year, count on a night filled with board games, silent reading, a coloring party, and a midnight countdown. The $30 ticket fee includes snacks and a champagne toast.