For many literature lovers, the 21st century has been a dark time indeed. Bookstores have been shuttered, left and right, but one New Jersey woman decided that she wouldn't let this happen without a fight.

Suspense writer Jenny Milchman kicked off a minor furor with a blog post about how if she became famous she would start a bookstore day for kids, Publishers Weekly reported. Much to Milchman's delight, the post went viral, spawning the first Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day in 2010, with 80 bookstores across the country participating.

Milchman believes that it will require a concerted effort to bring the joy of bookstores to the next generation.

"In order for bookstores to flourish and thrive, we must expose future generations to the unique pleasures they offer," Milchman stated on the organization's website.

"I wanted to begin a holiday that would expose as many kids as possible to this joy," Milchman added.

In 2012, hundreds of bookstores in 45 states, Canada, England, and Australia are participating. So far, none of the south metro bookstores have been listed as participants, though several across the Twin Cities region are.

Nevertheless, Burnsville and Apple Valley boast several unofficial contenders.

• BooksMN in Burnsville is the only independent seller in the city.
• Both Burnsville and Apple Valley are home to Barnes & Noble locations.
• Apple Valley also has a Half Price Books location.