Retailers across the country have been celebrating New Zealand bookshop day today.  The day's a bid to show locals the unique cultural role bookshops play in their communities. 

Owner of the Women's Bookshop in Auckland, Carol Beu, said the day is really important for independent book shops.  

"I think there is no doubt, with the response we've had today, that independent book shops are flourishing, we're all doing well.  The internet and ebooks have not put any of us out of business." 

Ms Beu invited a cast of influential New Zealand women - including authors, poets and politicians - to read in the front window of their Ponsonby store.

"It's been fantastic and it has attracted people," she said.

"They do a double take as they walk down Ponsonby Road and see a live window display.  It's been great fun, the shop has been full of people and it's been buzzing all day."