Go Indie
Go Indie
A celebration of independent bookstores
independent bookstore noun
in·de·pen·dent book·store
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a local retailer for books not owned by a larger company or franchise
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an intellectual community center and neighborhood meeting space
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a venue for thought-provoking events of guest speakers or public discussion
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a safe space to get lost in other worlds and explore one's interests
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a home away from home
→ also called an indie
"Independent bookstores act as community anchors; they serve a unique role in promoting the open exchange of ideas, enriching the cultural life of communities, and creating economically vibrant neighborhoods."
The Indie Impact
Independent bookstores support their community's economic and cultural wellbeing.
The Local Advantage
Labor
Local residents are employed.
Profits
Local owners benefit from business revenue
Procurement
Local businesses support each other.
Charity
Local non-profits are supported.
+109%
Local impact advantage over chains
+405%
Local impact advantage over Amazon
Spotlight Conversations
Conversation with a Bookseller
Alex Abraham (they/them) first started bookselling at 17 years old, at a local bookshop in their home state of Rhode Island. When they moved to Boston for college, they worked at two of the city’s most popular indie locations—Trident Booksellers & Café on the bustling Newbury Street, and brookline booksmith, which has serviced the Boston and Brookline area since 1961. With six years of bookselling under their belt, Alex offers keen insight into the day-to-day life of an indie bookseller and the evolution of the industry.
Conversation with an Author
Aiden Thomas (he/they) is a trans, Latinx bestselling author of Cemetery Boys, Lost in the Never Woods, and The Sunbearer Trials. His writing for young adults centers coming-of-age narratives set against engaging fantasy backdrops, equal parts heartfelt and adventurous. Having toured the country promoting his books, Aiden speaks to the community building power of independent bookstores.
Buy Aiden's Books
Spotlight Store: The Bookworm
Bernardsville, NJ
The Bookworm Profile
Named one of New Jersey's best bookstores,
The Bookworm in Bernardsville has been servicing its community for over 30 years.
Get Involved
Indies are on the rise! Check out some tips below on how you can support them!
Shop Indie
The best way to support indie bookshops is to shop at them. Use the resources below to find an independently owned bookstore in your neighborhood or learn how to shop indie even from afar.
Source: ABA
Source: bookshop.org
Find your Indie
Buy Online
Shop conveniently and conscionably at bookshop.org. All orders benefit independent bookstores, and you can even select a specific indie you for your purchases to support.