How to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day in Boston

On April 30, more than 400 bookstores around the world will participate in Independent Bookstore Day. In its second year, the event celebrates the bookstores and sellers who bring literature to local communities.

We chat with Papercuts J.P., Porter Square Books and Trident Booksellers & Café, which have their own agendas of signings, snacks and more to celebrate the day. Check IndieBookstoreDay.com for a full list of participating stores — including Brookline Booksmith and Harvard Coop — and events in your ’hood.

Papercuts J.P.

As you browse the stacks in the morning, you can sip mimosas and munch on sweets from Monumental Cupcakes. At noon, local author Nathalia Holt will read from her novel “Rise of the Rocket Girls,” followed by J.P.-based Jesse Andrews, author of “Me and Earl and The Dying Girl,” who will arrive at 4 p.m. to read from his new novel, “The Haters.” Both authors will stick around to sign books after their readings. At 7 p.m., Papercuts will host an open mic for guests who would like to share their work, whether it’s fiction, nonfiction or poetry.

Porter Square Books

As soon as you enter, you’ll be transported to a different world. You’ll be able to speak with Mary Shelley, Edith Wharton, Margaret Wise Brown and J.R.R. Tolkien, classic authors who have been revived by booksellers dressing in character. From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m,, local urban-fantasy author Max Gladstone will speak with Tolkien; picture-book author and illustrator Julia Denos will talk with Brown; and Charlotte Gordon will speak with Shelley.

“The booksellers will most likely try and focus the conversations around the living authors’ works,” says Marketing Director Josh Cook.

Trident Booksellers & Café

Trident Booksellers & Café will host a literary-themed scavenger hunt. Scour the store and look for clues tucked into books to win a Trident gift card.

And before you leave the store, be sure to leave your mark. Trident will set out a sheet of paper for customers to sign — an opportunity to memorialize your love of literature and appreciation of indie bookshops.

“You’ll be able to sign it and write what book most influenced you,” says Courtney Flynn, manager of Trident Booksellers.