The Shops Around the Corner

Written By Readin' Magazine

By: Angela Spinzig

Edited by: Sherriece Hughes

In the era of two-day shipping, below-market prices, and instant gratification, it can feel like indie bookstores don't stand a chance in the face of megastores like Amazon. But they are crucial community hubs that foster local economies, culture, and literacy far beyond just selling books. 

Community & Connection 

When I first found out that a new independent bookstore (lovingly called "indie bookstores" by many) was opening just down the street from me last November, my inner Kathleen Kelly started squealing. I was getting my very own “Shop Around the Corner?”! Be still, my You've Got Mail-loving heart! I couldn't wait to read stories about butterflies on subways or neighborhood bagel places with flour floating in the air, buy cups of coffee that defined my sense of self, or send bouquets of newly sharpened pencils. I joked with my friends and family that this was going to be very bad for my bank account; but I was ready. Ready to fill my arms with books and support the newly fledged Lakeside Bookshop in any way I could. This wasn't just about books. Okay, it was mostly about books. I'm a book addict. I'm pretty sure my heartbeat sounds like book pages turning. But, more than books, supporting Lakeside was about the community. 

Indie bookstores are hubs of humanity—serving as gathering spots and safe spaces; bringing people together through book clubs, story times, open mics, and author events. They open the door for new thoughts and ideas and challenge people to become more innovative and creative thinkers. They help people find their people. Often, in ways they were never expecting. 

That's exactly what owner Audrea Strelo set out to do. "When I moved to the area, I realized how much I missed my favorite independent bookstore. And what I missed most was the community. I thought my love of books was just about meeting new characters and discovering new stories but quickly learned it was really about connection and belonging. That's exactly why Lakeside Bookshop exists. It's not only to sell books, but to build community."  

Custom Curation & Support for Diverse Voices

One thing that makes these stores so special is the human element. Independent booksellers are people. Living, breathing book nerds who are passionate about providing personalized recommendations and helping customers discover new authors and titles. Ask your local bookseller for a recommendation and watch their eyes light up with excitement and the spark of a challenge. Let's see the internet squeal and scurry to the nearest shelf for you. 

Equally significant, indie stores are champions for local authors and indie presses, offering a platform for diverse perspectives. You'll find representation on indie shelves you're hard-pressed to find in big box stores: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabilities, socioeconomics, the list goes on. Indie bookstores are where we can all find ourselves on the shelves and in the stories. 

Economic & Environmental Impact

For every $100 you spend in a local bookstore, $67 stays in the local economy. Spend that money with a national chain or big box store? Only $43 sticks around. And nothing is reinvested locally from online-only retailers. 

Instead of continuing to line the pockets of billionaires, by shopping locally you're supporting the success of people you know and contributing to the area around you. Local taxes support schools and libraries and help maintain roads . . . so you have a smoother drive to the bookstore!

Additionally, indie bookstores often partner with other local or small businesses (cafes, printers, artists, bakers, authors) to further boost the local economy, share financial successes for small business owners and artists, and create vibrant, unique shopping experiences that can't be found anywhere else. 

Supporting indie bookstores also reduces the environmental impact associated with shopping and packaging, reducing your carbon footprint and shrinking the footprint of large online retailers. 

What the Readin' Team Loves About Indie Stores

Ysabel: I love the selection of books that indies have! I can usually count on them to be the place where I discover a book (particularly indie-published works) that I've never heard of before . . . and I'm pretty plugged into the bookish space. They often hold events that I love going to (or would love to go to) and often feel genuinely community oriented. 

Emilee: The best part of indies by far is the booksellers. You can tell they not only love reading but love connecting with the community over reading, and it makes bookstore trips and the hobby itself way more enjoyable! 

Maddy: One of the main reasons I love going to indie bookstores is everyone is so nice every time I go! I always have such great conversations with the employees and it's so lovely. They always feel like such a safe space and are so welcoming. They also always have such a good selection of both traditionally published, more popular books, but also indie books and less popular ones.

Rebecca: I really trust recs from indie bookstore employees, and they go above and beyond to help me get the exact book I need! I also love that so many of them are super involved in their local community. 

Cassie: Author events at indie bookstores just have magic! You can tell that staff make the experience unique and special (as opposed to B&N where I usually see authors sitting at a table alone). Also, local used bookstores are much more affordable than a big box store. Browsing in one of those local used stores is my favorite way to discover new books. 

Christa: Indie bookstores are always a central part of my travels. I love going to new places and visiting local indie bookstores. It gives you such an insight into the local community and in almost all cases, not only do they have books, but great gifts and souvenirs by local artists. 

Caelin: I love my local indie bookstore because they support local authors and host a ton of events that help to support and build up the bookish community in my city. The owners and employees are passionate readers. They get to know their customer base and engage in amazing conversations about books and make great recommendations. They host book clubs, poetry readings, book launches and more, and keep the community strong and connected. Plus they'll order any book for you any time!

Our Favorite Indie Bookstores

How Can You Support Indie Bookstores?

  • Foster relationships with local booksellers. Need to find indie stores near you? Check out IndieBound's Indie Bookstore Finder. 

  • Shop online while still supporting indie stores. Shop through Bookshop.org to support the indie store of your choice with your purchase. 

  • Purchase audiobooks through Libro.fm. All profits are shared with the indie bookstore of your choice. 

  • Get involved! Even if you can't purchase a book, many events hosted by indie bookstores are free to attend. Grab a friend or two and spread the word! Attending an event, even if you don't make a purchase, helps indie stores thrive. 

More Shops Just Around the Corner

Starting in our April issue, we will be featuring interviews with some of our favorite indie bookstores. Have a shop you want to see featured? Let us know! 

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