Yes, I know buying books on Amazon is quick and easy. It’s even cheaper, but if you’re a true book lover like I am, then you probably love visiting bookstores.
Your Guide to Buying Books at Local Bookstores
Whenever I visit a new place, I love to find a local bookstore. So far, my favorite isn’t too far from where I grew up in central Ohio.
It’s called The Book Loft in German Village. The Book Loft is one of the country’s largest independent bookstores. It’s an old house that takes up a city block with 32 different rooms. Each room is its own section. Let me tell you, it’s pretty damn cool and the best bookstore I’ve been in.
If you’re like me and you love to hang out in a bookstore, then click here to see what indie bookstores are available near you. This is also a great site to use when you travel and want to visit independent booksellers when you travel.
If you want to shop online, don’t worry – you can do that at local bookstores too. Click here to head to Bookshop.org to see what books are available to order online, but from a local bookstore near you. Your next read could be a curbside pickup!
7 Reasons To Buy Books at Local Bookstores
1. To Support Local Businesses
According to the American Booksellers Association, buying books from independent businesses recirculate a substantially greater proportion of their revenues back into the local economy than chain competitors do.
2. To Read Local Authors
Aside from supporting the local bookstore owners and employees, independent bookshops play a crucial role in supporting new and local authors. Many authors can attribute their beginning to local bookstores because they can build relationships with store owners and employees to get their work featured.
3. To Attend Author Events
Because local bookstores don’t have the marketing budget of big stores, like Barnes and Nobles, for example, they hold author events to bring people in. Plus, local bookstores don’t have the red tape that corporate stores do, so they have the freedom to do more.
4. To Enjoy the Environment
I don’t know what it is about a bookstore, but I wish every one had a co-worker space. If one did, I’d be there all day every day. Book lovers, do you agree? There is just something about the ambiance that I can’t get enough of. (Yes, I know many will throw a coffee shop in there, but what is a girl to do when she doesn’t drink coffee?!) Bookstore + co-working space = a perfect spot. Can we make this happen, please?!
5. To Receive Great Service
Now, I know this is generally speaking, but in my experience, the customer service at a local bookstore is better than what you’ll receive when you buy books from anywhere else. I think the level of dedication to the job is different and it shows in the customer service. One of my favorite things to see is when staff members have a section in the store with their favorite books or current reads.
6. To Find Unique Titles
I’ve heard a bit about what determines whether or not a book is put on the shelves at a bookstore. Ultimately, it all comes down to book sales. What are people buying? However, at local bookstores, it’s more about the local community and relationships with regulars who walk in the door. For that reason, you’re likely to find rare books in independent bookstores. If you have a local book clubs, do this!
7. To Share Children’s Books with your Kids
My kids love going to the library and the bookstores. There is just so much to see and look at. Plus, they get to take time browsing to find something they like. World best-selling author James Patterson got started as a kid on graphic novels… just find something they like – picture books, young adult, written word, literary classics, popular titles, etc. If you haven’t taken your kids to the library or a bookstore yet, what are you waiting for?!
James Patterson on Shopping at Local Bookstores
Not too long ago, I covered a story for the Palm Beach Civic Association about the importance of not only shopping at local bookstores but reading as well. For that story, I interviewed one of my favorite authors, James Patterson.
In that story, James Patterson stood in Classic Bookshop in Palm Beach and looked around as he told me, “It’s all stories here. There’s nothing but stories.”
Something else he said about shopping at local bookstores was, “When you go into this bookstore, they’re going to help you. They’re going to help you find a book because all books are not for everybody – especially kids.”
From there James Patterson went on to explain the importance of kids finding books they like. To see the entire story, click here.
If you’re looking to read some new books, or even jump into some old books you have at home, follow me on Goodreads. I’m always updating my current reads here and on Instagram at @ChristinaAlDay.
