Today is Independent Bookstore Day.
Where I live in upstate New York, there are no independent bookstores in my immediate community. That's a sobering thought. We used to have one but it closed, partially because of the poor health of one of the owners, but I had also heard a rumor that they had tried to open a coffee bar and, for whatever reason, they couldn't.
When I moved here in the mid 1980's there were several independents in our area. One, I know, went totally online (Gil's Book Loft) and, from what I can tell, may still be operating.
I used to buy from them when they were brick and mortar. Online, I haven't. Go figure.
Now, if I want to shop in an independent bookstore, I have to travel over 20 miles, to a small town called Owego, once named "The coolest small town in America". River Row books is well worth the visit.
When I travel, I look for independent bookstores.
But I will also admit, I am not a huge buyer at independent bookstores. I don't frequent Amazon for books, either. Before the pandemic, I almost lived (according to my spouse, anyway) in one of several local libraries. I haven't been to one since, although I've taken enough advantage of curbside pickup at a local library that the librarian who usually answers the phone knows who I am.
And, a fun fact. Several years ago, a cousin found me on Ancestry.com and she works in an independent bookstore. When I finally visited her for the first time, one of the first questions her father asked me was "what are you reading right now?"
Bookstores deserve our love, even though I don't always do what I should do.
Do you have an independent bookstore in your city or town?
...here are no independent bookstores in most places.
ReplyDeleteOur small town of Bonners Ferry Id, has a wonderful book store. And I will give it shout out...Bonners Books
ReplyDeleteWe haven't had an independent bookstore in ages. The one I used to go to went out of business when Barnes and Noble opened across the street from them. And now they are gone too. I do not buy a lot of books. But I still have two bookcases full.
ReplyDeleteBook Revue in Huntington, NY is the closest independent to where I live. I hate to admit I have not been there in years. I usually get ebooks these days.
ReplyDeleteNot new. There's one terrible used book store. Actually, there may be one in the mall, but it's a Christian book store, so I have never been in, not reading that genre.
ReplyDeleteI miss a used book store (small chain in my old area) called Half Price Books. Best store ever. All we have is Barnes and Noble. But, I don't buy new books, they are too expensive. When I do need a book I search bookfinder.com.
I think there is a used bookstore. I don't know if it's still there. I've driven by, but I've never been in it. There was a huge bookstore downtown, but I only saw it once back in the '80s when downtown was scary. (Long story about my father going to a mechanic in that area.)
ReplyDeleteHi Alana - wonderful to read how obviously DNA tied into bookstores your family is - as you too. We have our excellent 2nd hand bookshop, our library and a semi-independent bookseller ... actually saved by James Daunt - who now owns Barnes. Daunts has city bookshops ... both have good good selection. Take care - Hilary
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