Our story

Eight Cousins Books storefront

How it all began…

In 2019, Sara Hines (Eight Cousins Books, Falmouth), Caitlin Doggart (Where the Sidewalk Ends, Chatham), and Vicky Titcomb (Titcomb’s Bookshop, East Sandwich) started the trail to highlight what a literary treasure trove we have here on the Cape and Islands. The map had 21 bookstores that first year. In 2024, it had 24 bookstores!

When it happens

Every year, the trail launches on Independent Bookstore Day (the last Saturday in April) and ends on the last day of Banned Books Week (usually in September or October). Though we encourage folks to visit the stores year-round, we do the “official” Trail during this time for a few reasons:

  • All of the stores are open during these months

  • Independent Bookstore Day and Banned Books Week are essential days in the book world, and we thought it would be perfect to “bookend” the Trail with these dates.

Why support indies?

  • Indies support your local economy and provide jobs for your community

  • Indies offer superb customer service and make personalized recommendations

  • Indies create unique collections that reflect both local interests and diverse perspectives.

  • Indies are community hubs - fun and welcoming spaces to connect with people and meet authors.

  • Erica

    Belonging Books

  • New List Item

    Description goes here

  • Kristen

    Below the Brine

  • Emma

    The Brewster Book Store

  • Derek

    Provincetown Bookshop