In today’s fast-paced world, you’re no stranger to convenience and being able to get the things you want at the click of a button.

See someone post a cute dress on Instagram? Click the link, and it’ll be on your doorstep in two days.

Decided that you don’t want to cook dinner tonight? No worries: delivery’s there to save the day.

Forgot an important item on your grocery list? A total stranger will literally go get it for you and save you a trip back to town.

As humans, we LOVE these sources of convenience. And trust me, I’m right there with ya!

But as a small business owner, I really try my best to shop small and shop local when I can, especially when it comes to my favorite thing to purchase – BOOKS! 📚

While it’s tempting to choose quick, big-box retailers or e-commerce giants for your next book purchase, there’s something truly special about shopping at an independent bookstore.

Whether it’s a cozy brick-and-mortar shop in your small town or a mobile book trailer like mine, there’s so much more to it than simply selling books.

Independent bookstores matter SO much for readers and communities, and in this blog post, I’m sharing how, with the hope that you’ll take what’s in your Amazon cart and turn it into a fun search throughout a local store in your town!

4 Reasons Why Shopping At Independent Bookstores Matter

1) Supporting Local 

Independent bookstores are small businesses at the heart of communities, and when you choose to shop local, your money stays in the area.

In fact, according to the American Booksellers Association, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 stays in the community, compared to just $43 when you shop at a national chain.

By choosing to shop at a local bookstore instead of the big guys, you’re directly investing in your neighborhood.

And while sure, it might not be as convenient as simply “adding to cart” and never having to leave your house, when you decide to shop local, you’re not only investing in your community, but you’re also directly impacting the business owner who TRULY appreciates your business. 

You’re not just a number to them – for many of us, it’s our livelihood!

2) Unique Selection of Books

One of the best parts of shopping at independent bookstores is the unique selection of books you’ll find. Unlike big chains that stock mass-market titles based on what’s trending, independent stores have the ability to curate their collection based on what matters to them, their customers, and their community specifically.

In addition to carrying the big-name books that you see floating around on social media, many independent bookstores also carry books by local authors, niche genres, or lesser-known works that may not make it to the shelves of larger retailers.

This is one of my favorite parts of the What Sara Reads mobile book trailer! I take pride in offering a thoughtfully curated selection that shares what’s trending, what’s unforgettable, and all of the word-magic gems in between.

Overall, whether you’re looking for a bestseller or a hidden gem, independent bookstores are the perfect place to discover something new.

3) A Unique & Personal Shopping Experience

Walking into an independent bookstore gives me the warm and fuzzies that a Barnes & Noble simply can’t do! 

There’s just something about the passion that exudes from the owner, the selection of books that have been carefully chosen, and the welcoming environment that makes me so giddy.

It’s an instant sense of community that is so easily lost in today’s society.

Bookstore owners and staff often take the time to get to know you, offer personalized recommendations based on your preferences, and engage in bookish conversation that you’re just dying to have!

At the end of the day, independent bookstores offer a truly human touch to the book-buying experience, and that’s something that I’m not willing to give up.

4) Sense of Community

Community is a common thread throughout most of these reasons, and though it might sound cliche, it’s true – shopping at independent bookstores is about more than just buying a book; it’s about being part of a community.

These stores foster a sense of belonging and offer a space for people to connect over their shared love of reading. Whether you’re attending an author reading, participating in a book club (ahem, I heard this one’s pretty cool 😏) or just chatting with fellow readers, independent bookstores create opportunities for meaningful social interactions that you aren’t going to find while scrolling through Amazon.

In fact, my love for books AND for my community is what drove me to create the What Sara Reads mobile bookstore. I absolutely love getting to bring books to different parts of Sioux Falls and meet all kinds of people along the way.

(P.S. If you’re a local business in Sioux Falls and are interested in having the book trailer on site for a pop-up event, click here for more details!)

How To Shop Independent Bookstores Online

“But Sara… sometimes I really just need to order things online!”

I hear you, friend. The good news is that there is a way you can support independent bookstores online. 

I know that you don’t always have the time to go out and hunt down the next book on your TBR, but that doesn’t mean you always have to resort to the most well-known online shopping platforms.

Bookshop is an online platform designed to support independent bookstores through online sales. Bookshop’s mission is to provide an ethical alternative to large corporations by creating an easy way for people to shop online and support local bookstores simultaneously. 

Independent bookstores can create storefronts on Bookshop to sell their curated lists of books, and a percentage of sales goes directly to them. This allows customers to access the convenience of online shopping while still championing local businesses! (P.S. What Sara Reads is active on Bookshop; click here to add books to your cart AND benefit my small business at the same time!)

So, even if you don’t have the time to go out shopping for your next read, OR if you simply want to support an independent bookstore in another city, you can do so with ease!

And if you’re the type that prefers to listen instead of read, Libro.fm is for you! This audiobook platform allows users to purchase audiobooks while supporting independent bookstores.

Unlike other audiobook services, Libro.fm partners with independent bookstores to provide an ethical alternative, ensuring that a portion of the profits from each purchase goes directly to the local bookstore of the listener’s choice.

Overall, shopping at independent bookstores, whether in a traditional storefront or a mobile book trailer like mine, is about more than just buying books.

By choosing to shop local, you’re helping to ensure that independent bookstores continue to thrive in a world dominated by large corporations.

While there’s of course a time and place for shopping on Amazon and other popular retailers, my hope is that you feel more inclined to think twice before adding to cart! 🛒