Reading in Public No. 14
7 ways to support indie bookstores this week
Hey, readers!
In case you missed it, I wrote a little about my love for indie bookstores in Sunday’s newsletter and shared 10 books I discovered (and loved!) by browsing indies in stores and online.
An ode to independent bookstores
Nothing has fueled my reading life and enhanced my book collection quite as much as independent bookstores. From handsells by avid readers, to author events, to thoughtfully curated front tables, indies know how to help readers find books we may never have come across otherwise.
I’m not above scoring a major deal from that big online retailer we all know, but this week is also a great time to show our favorite independent bookstores how much we appreciate them. Independent bookstores help communities thrive and care deeply about their readers and patrons. Here are seven ways to support independent bookstores this week and beyond.
Shop in person. Stop into your local indie today or tomorrow to show the owners and booksellers your appreciation. Pick up a book or two from your TBR list or take home a new-to-you staff pick. One of my favorite things about indies is being recommended books by avid readers (not algorithms!) so be sure to browse the staff recommendations section or ask a bookseller for a personal rec.
Get FREE shipping on Bookshop.org. To celebrate Anti Prime Day, Bookshop.org is offering free shipping today and tomorrow!! Plus you get a complimentary exclusive tote bag if you spend more than $100. Make sure you select your favorite independent bookstore to support with your purchase or spread the love with multiple purchases. If you’re not sure what to buy, search the site for your favorite indies and explore their curated shopping lists!
Preorder your most anticipated fall books through Bookshop.org or directly through your local indie. There’s nothing that helps authors more than preordering their books. This fall’s publication docket is an embarrassment of riches. Some of my most anticipated reads are new books by Zadie Smith, James McBride, Jesmyn Ward, Kelsey Norris, Claire Keegan, Tan Twan Eng, C. Pam Zhang, Lydia Davis, Bryan Washington, and Mona Awad. If you’re looking for more preorder ideas, check out the lists from Lit Hub and The Millions.
Download an audiobook from Libro.fm. My reading life wouldn’t be half as fulfilling without audiobooks. I love using Libro.fm because it allows me to support my favorite independent bookstores through my monthly subscription and any additional purchases I make. And while I came to Libro for the indie support, I stay for the user experience. The app is the best listening platform there is and their curated playlists are the perfect way to discover your next great listen. If you’re new to Libro.fm, you can get two audiobooks for the price of one through my link.
Give the gift of indie love. If your audio queue and bookshelves are overflowing, I understand! Considering giving a Bookshop.org or Libro.fm gift certificate to a favorite reader in your life so they can support an indie they love with their next bookish purchase.
Treat yourself to some indie bookstore merch. This is another great option if your TBR is already impossibly long. Rather than shopping for books, see if any of your favorite indies have merch on offer. I love my Books Are Magic hat and Thank Your Books sweatshirt. The Bookshelf Thomasville and The Ripped Bodice also have super cute options.
Share about your favorite indie on social media. If purchasing isn’t an option for you this week or you just don’t have the need for more stuff in your life, share your love for your favorite independent bookstore on social media. Give them a shoutout, share what you love about your favorite shop, and tell your friends why shopping small matters.
Readers, share your ideas about how to support independent bookstores and what books you’ll be purchasing in the comments. Let’s keep indies alive for the long haul!
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-Sara
Loooove! Shout out to my FAVORITE indie bookstores in New York City: Three Lives & Co., Codex, Book Club, Shakespeare & Co, The Corner Bookstore. And the Strand and McNally Jackson of course. I honestly shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near any of them because I have a book buying problem, but it’s oh so justifiable :)
This is a really great idea and an important post! I pre-ordered Beth O'Leary's upcoming book, The Wake-Up Call.