usually run by passionate book lovers (owners and staff) willing to share their enthusiasm for books and reading
find new books and authors, read staff recommendations and book reviews
offer support for local authors/artists
are engaged in community affairs and act as a meeting place for exchanging ideas
offer community, a cultural space; a café or art gallery
are a source of jobs/income for local people and the local economy
offer continued education opportunities: author events, art openings, writing classes or seminars, etc.
educating young children and providing an opportunity for young people to become interested in a lifetime of reading
open your mind to possibilities and stimulate your imagination

One needs to pause for a moment before exchanging all this and more for a convenient (and sometimes less expensive) online shopping experience. Purchasing a book from a local independent bookstore can benefit more than the reader alone.

Click on this link to read what www.IndieBound.org has to say about shopping in your community.

Click on our “Featured Independent Bookstore” tab to read about an excellent independent bookstore.

Search our “Resources/Independent Bookstores” listings to locate a shop near you.

— Scott Lesniewski, Contributing Editor, Brilliant Light Publishing