We’re all familiar with the hassle of everyday life: the endless flow of work, errands, and chores that consume much of our time and energy. At the end of the day, it can be intimidating to use what little energy you have left to get out of your comfort zone and connect with a wider community. Add to that the stereotypically introverted nature of readers, the risk marginalized individuals face of being rejected in new spaces, or the exhaustion of staying informed on a global level, and shutting yourself off at home suddenly sounds much more appealing.
This is where local independent bookstores come into play. Many indie bookstores expand their services beyond stocking books in order to address a wide range of patron needs—everything from organizing social events to facilitating meaningful activism.
On the social side of things, a typical bookstore interior is set up to invite customers to stay as long as they want. Sitting areas with an assortment of comfortable chairs and tables become the perfect place to read, study, or otherwise pass the time, whether individually or as part of a group. It has also become common practice for indie bookstores to offer their own book clubs for different interests and age ranges. For example, Spoke & Word Books hosts romance, sci-fi, classic literature, and cookbook clubs to engage with all sorts of readers in the community. Meanwhile, specialized stores like Books with Pictures use their book clubs to emphasize their focus and give frequent customers a chance to connect with each other. And the fun doesn’t stop with group readings! Other events you might find at your neighborhood bookstore include game nights, poetry open mics, book launch parties, and author readings and signings. Each of these event models not only provides an opportunity to meet new people but establishes a common interest to bond over, thus removing some of the pressure from the socially anxious attendee.
For customers looking for a less energy-intensive method of connecting with their community, look no further than an indie bookstore’s merchandise. Display tables may boast a local author’s new novel, sometimes in tandem with a scheduled author appearance. When it comes to collateral, many indie bookstores source stickers, magnets, candles, and the like from local artists and feature them in small displays by the registers or as a dedicated section alongside the bookshelves. This brings exposure to all kinds of creatives, and funnels part of the store’s profits back into the community in ways that a chain store or online vendor would be incapable of. All it requires of the customer is adding a small keepsake to their purchase.
Then comes the political aspect of indie bookstores. While not true for every case, many indie bookstores cite politics as a driving force; this seems particularly common if the owner and/or target audience of the store belong to a marginalized group. The longstanding history of Black and LGBTQ+ bookstores will be covered in Part 2.
It’s no secret that indie bookstores are struggling to compete with large corporations in the industry. As the MIC puts it, owning a bookstore is one of the “most challenging plights in retail.” This is a particular shame given the sheer range in services they offer to their communities. So, the next time you find yourself in your local indie shop, consider signing up for their next book club or treating yourself to an extra sticker or two to your purchase as a show of appreciation for all they contain.
Sources
Adams, Char. “Black-owned bookstores have always been at the center of the resistance.” The MIC. February 6, 2020.
Source: Supreme, A. The Role of the Independent Bookstore. Author Learning Center. https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/2203/the-role-of-the-independent-bookstore—article