7 Reasons to Love Indie Bookstores
Today, more than 400 independent bookstores across the country participate in the first ever Independent Bookstore Day. Plenty of fun and quirky events are being held from Athens, Georgia to Biloxi, Mississippi (details to follow), but first, here are 7 reasons to LOVE our Indie Bookstores.
1. A place to connect –
Indie bookstores have that wonderful neighborhood feel — a definite sense of community in our rushed and busy world. Indie bookstores are friendly and welcoming, the perfect place to meet a loved one for coffee and conversation, shop for a gift, or talk books with the very knowledgeable staff.
Joshilyn Jackson
2. Author events
I don’t know about you, but the chance to meet and talk with authors like Joshilyn Jackson, Chris Bohjalian, Skip Horack, and Greg Iles is pretty darn fabulous.
Ask questions, get your book signed, or just listen. It’s really special to meet the person “behind” the writing. Author events are one of my favorite ways to spend an evening.
3. Great recommendations
Stephanie & Anderson at Page & Palette
I’ve found that the staff at indie bookstores are amazing resources. Can’t remember the title of a novel? Describe the cover and they’ll figure it out! Want a new suspense novel? They’ll know the hottest books coming out next month.
Want book club recommendations? They’ll give you a list! Looking for the perfect present for someone who has everything? Say no more! All you have to do is ask!
4. Lattes and literature
Most indie bookstores have wonderful coffee shops. What goes better with a book than a delicious latte, frozen coffee drink, or a creamy hot chocolate?
5. There’s no rush
The great thing about indie bookstores is that time seems to stand still inside them. It’s great to spend an afternoon exploring the shelves, checking out new releases, and perusing a chapter or two in the comfort of a cozy bookstore corner.
Your dollars go further — much further — at an indie bookstore.
Pledging to spend $100 A YEAR (not a month!) at a local business helps support a healthy local economy.
7. The vibe
No two indie bookstores are the same. Some are renovated houses, some are tucked between local shops on quaint streets. Some have entire rooms dedicated to travel or children’s books. I particularly love the sections dedicated to regional and local authors.
Check out these May 2nd Indie Bookstore Events
Burlingham Books, Perry, N.Y.: “I really wanted to do it, because I thought it was cool,” said owner Ann Burlingham. “Sometimes it’s hard to invite people to come celebrate the independent bookstore, to appreciate
Gibson’s Bookstore, Concord, N.H.: “In True Brew Cafe: Marvel themed drink specials, because it’s also Free Comic Book Day (in support of our neighbors at Double Midnight Comics).”
Carmichael’s Bookstore, Louisville, Kentucky: Competing against the Kentucky Derby will be a challenge, but Carmichael’s is hosting an “Old Fashioned Derby Party,” where you can “learn how to mix the famed bourbon-based cocktail. And, of course, everyone will listen to the Derby at race time.” (via Insider Louisville)
Barrington Books, Barrington, R.I.: Stop by Saturday from 11-1 as they kick off Independent Bookstore Day festivities with complimentary samples from the wonderful folks at MEDICI GELATO!
Avid Bookshop, Athens, Ga.: “The emphasis is on foot traffic and making a physical appearance in a bookstore–a symbol of how integral book-and-mortar stores are in this digital, online world,” said bookseller Rachel Kaplan, who is coordinating the event. (via the Banner-Herald)
Do you have a favorite Indie Bookstore?
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