As an author I love books. I love cracking open a fresh cover and hearing the stiff crinkle as it’s unfurled for the first time.
There’s something special about being the initial one to open a brand new book. It’s as if the words inside are old friends welcoming you, keen to tell a tale written with you in mind.
Over the years, I’ve purchased books for my Kindle and my Nook but I never seem contented with the purchase. E-commerce transactions are convenient for our fast-paced lifestyles.
That handy-dandy click to purchase button has turned into the norm but, for me, the experience comes up short. It lacks the personal touch of chatting with an Independent Bookseller who cares for books as much as I do.
I enjoy entering a place where books are the mainstay and the atmosphere is awash with the joy of bibliophiles as they peruse the shelves. I also like being surrounded by many shelves chock full of books that cater to every niche. You can’t get that with an online merchant.
Because I value the contributions of Independent Books stores, I’ve started interviewing the people who manage them. It’s important for us to recognize that small business owners are people who recognize their patrons and cater to their different needs.
Independent Bookstores are an integral part of a community and we can’t let them disappear into obscurity. We must prevent their being overwhelmed by a single impersonal conglomerate that rakes in millions of dollars every year without paying their fair share to neighborhood economies.
Since small business proprietors are established in local communities, they care about the people they serve and often donate to support youth groups and other charitable causes.
For more on why Independent Book Stores Matter click the articles below.