Buzz
You've probably heard this advice many times, and it's true: Support your local independent bookstore. Most readers, especially adults, recognize that supporting your neighborhood bookstore is essential—but when it's time to pre-order a book or pick up some last-minute titles for a weekend trip, the convenience of Amazon seems tempting. You don't have to leave home. It arrives at your doorstep, with no shipping cost, in a couple of days. And yes, it's often cheaper. But hold on!
We know that supporting local businesses is vital because a bigger portion of your spending stays in the community, there's less packaging, and you reduce your carbon footprint. But when it comes to booksellers, here's why independent bookstores truly deserve our attention and support.
The staff are highly knowledgeable
Sure, you can rely on recommendations from friends or check out Goodreads reviews, but sometimes you just want to talk to someone who’s well-versed in a wide range of genres to get solid recommendations.
You might be thinking about reading your first romance novel but have no idea where to start. Or perhaps you want to buy a book for your grandfather (who loves reading about world wars) or your teenage niece (who enjoys graphic novels), but that’s all the info you have. A regular independent bookseller will likely get to know your preferences over time and have suggestions ready for your next visit—something much more personal than 'people who bought X also bought Y.'
An independent bookseller is always in tune with the latest releases and popular trends, so they know what to buy, what to read, and what to suggest to you.
Shopping there directly supports the book itself.
When you shop at an independent bookstore, you're supporting both the store and the new book and its author. As former Mytour staff writer Nick Douglas explains:
There are a
lot
of books published every year... [and] booksellers have to judge which of those books anyone wants to buy, and stock those. They can’t just stock everything in a warehouse like Amazon does.
So if your favorite author isn’t already a huge deal—we’re talking Danielle Steele level—there’s a chance your local store won’t stock their new book, or will only stick one or two copies on the back shelves, instead of in a prime spot on the front table.
But if you—and your fellow fans—pre-order the book, the bookseller has some hard evidence that there’s a following, and that they should stock and help promote that book. They might even read the book so they can personally recommend it, or host an event for the author.
The ambiance, guys
Really imagine this for a moment: What would life be like if we no longer had our favorite local bookstore to enjoy? My local bookstore (brag: it’s the country’s oldest continuously operating bookstore) is one of my favorite spots. Nearly every time I wander through my historic little downtown area, I pull my family inside to buy a book because I cannot bear the thought of losing the store’s ambience.
Independent bookstores are charming and inviting. They often feature natural sunlight, freshly brewed coffee, and cozy chairs where you can relax and decide whether that book's opening pages will hook you. (You know what Amazon doesn’t offer? Sunlight, cozy spots, and a cup of hot coffee!) Yes, the books might cost a bit more, but what you get in return is not just a book, but also a pleasant afternoon.
Moreover, they host events that often feature local authors or artists (which means more support for the local community!) as well as well-known authors who are on book tours. It's a perfect chance to indulge your inner fan.
If you've already lost your favorite bookstore, I'm truly sorry. You're not alone; The New Yorker reports that—sob— more than one bookstore shut down every week last year. But if yours is still around, don't let it slip away.
