Why is it important to support local bookstores? Veteran bookseller Barbara Racine answers the question in our first guest essay.

Guest Blog

Local Bookstores
The Magic of Discovery, Supporting Local Economies

Having worked over 40 years at independent college bookstores, I know the value that all independent bookstores offer their communities. These stores create quality connections between readers and booksellers. Unlike big box companies, these booksellers talk about readers and community, not consumers and nameless clicks on the computer.

Employees at independent stores generally bring a depth of knowledge about both recent, and backlist, titles. They do not just promote the latest blockbuster titles. They may suggest an author or genre you have never thought about. The independent bookstore is all about the magic of discovery.

These community stores sponsor many events and can help promote local authors and businesses. By choosing to shop at these stores, dollars, jobs and taxes stay in the Photo: Greg Smelacommunity. Your money is not flowing to some giant conglomerate that gives nothing back locally.

Independent bookstores can provide a comfortable space to just hang out among like-minded people. They encourage patrons to take their time and browse the shelves. They often provide seating areas so folks can read or chat with friends.

Many stores now offer online options. They also post upcoming events, book club picks and author information. Independent bookstores are a community resource and depend upon the community for their survival. For a while it looked like eBooks would be the death of the independent store. However, many readers soon realized it was more enjoyable to have an actual book. The big loss-leader discounts offered online soon disappeared and book prices stabilized across all platforms.     

During the COVID crisis, independent bookstores have struggled to stay afloat. Like many other local small businesses, they have seen revenue decline and in-person shopping prohibited. They struggle to provide only online services and keep that community connection. Many have adapted to maintain the personal connection with readings and lectures and courses via videos, streaming and webinars. These booksellers hope to survive with the continued support of their many local patrons and will be ready to welcome everyone back when that time finally comes.

Barbara Racine spent 40 plus years working at independent college bookstores. An avid reader, many of her favorite books were recommended by independent bookstore staff. (Green Thumb to the Rescue has made it easy for you to support local bookstores by providing links to the books we review using the IndieBound Independent Bookstore Finder. We will receive a small commission for purchases made through these links.)