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Independent bookstores offer much more than books.

John McCurry, Managing Editor

March 23, 2023

2 Min Read
bookshelves
Many independent bookstores around the U.S. are thriving thanks to loyal fans.Getty Images

One of my favorite activities is spending a few leisurely hours perusing the inventory of a great independent bookstore. Despite the domination of a well-known online retailer and one boring bricks-and-mortar mega-chain bookseller, many indie bookstores can still be found around the country. Some are even thriving.

I much prefer to support local, independent businesses. And, I eschew e-books. Never attempted to read one. Never will. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not a real book unless you can grip it in your hands and turn the pages the traditional way. Keeping up with the times, many of these stores also have online sales. During the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel was risky, I made several book orders to help keep some of these institutions in business.

The atmosphere is a big attraction of indie booksellers. Many are in old buildings, converted from their original purpose, with creaky wooden floors. Plus, you can actually smell the books. These are revered locations where serious readers go to buy their books.

Whenever I travel, I seek out local bookstores. One of my favorites is Square Books in Oxford, Miss., which was established in 1979. Square Books is actually in three buildings on the square in downtown Oxford. It’s forte is its selection of books on the South and books written by Southern authors.

Another favorite is The Tattered Cover, which has several locations in the Denver area. One of my favorite book genres is Western U.S. history, especially biographies of noted lawmen, gunslingers, native American leaders and explorers. These can be found in abundance at The Tattered Cover, which was founded in 1971, and is one of the country’s largest independent bookstores. Its current main location is in a former movie theater.

A must-visit on any trip to NYC is The Strand, an iconic bookseller founded in 1927. The company touts on its website that the multi-story location houses more than 2.5 million used, new and rare books.

My favorite of all bookstores is also located in one of my favorite cities, Portland, Ore. Powell’s Books, which claims to be the nation’s largest independent bookstore, is indeed legendary. Founded in 1971, it is located in a former car dealership which has been transformed into a multi-level mecca for book lovers. The flagship location, which takes up most of a city block, offers a seemingly endless array of new and used books. A third-generation family owned business, Powell’s is definitely a destination for readers.

While indie bookstores may not offer the discounts that the major online retailer does, I view paying a little more for a book is worth it in terms of experiencing the culture and history of a local business and city. I encourage everyone to experience an independent bookstore in your local city or when you travel.

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