Independent bookshops play a vital role in our communities.
They encourage imagination and curiosity, help boost local economies, support other local organizations, reduce our climate footprint, and much more. But they need our support to keep doing so, especially as companies like Amazon continue to dominate the bookselling market.
Thankfully these days, there are more ways than ever to show support for our independent bookshop, no matter our budget or accessibility needs. And not only does it feel good to shop small, but it’s so much fun! Indie bookshops tell us a lot about a local community (making them a great visit when traveling), and are bound to help us discover new reads.
Read on for 13 ways to show indie bookshops love all year long.
Visit them in person
There’s nothing like browsing shelves in person to find your next read! Visit your local indie, or make a trip out of it and visit a new one.
Want to find a bookshop nearby or for a future trip? Use our map!
Shop directly online
Head to your indie’s website and see if you can place an order there directly. This helps the bookstore keep more profits, and is a great way to support them if you can’t visit in person or if a book is out of stock in store.
Place preorders
Not only is this a sale for your indie, but helps them better understand how many copies of the book to order! (Plus, then you have a treat to pick up on release day.)
Use Libro.fm for your audiobooks
With us, you can buy audiobooks through your indie bookshop! Whether you have a membership, purchase credit bundles, or prefer to shop à la carte, a portion of the profits goes to your bookshop of choice.
Attend their events
Indie bookshops host some very cool events, such as author readings, board game nights, silent reading clubs, audiobook paint and sips, and much more. Check out what stores near you are hosting! This is also a great way to try something new, and build community.
Amplify their store on social media
Follow them, like their posts, and reshare them with your audience. All of this helps your store increase its visibility, which can lead to new customers.
Leave an online review
Say something nice about your local store, or any that you visit, online! Not only will it make a bookseller feel good, but encourages visitors and helps discoverability.
Sign up for their email list
You’ll find out about events, special campaigns, and additional ways to show them support.
Purchase gift cards
Need a gift for a friend or family member? Why not a gift card to their local indie bookshop? They make for a perfect present. (And who says that gift cards also can’t be a gift to yourself?)
Support book drives
A lot of indies partner with local organizations to raise money or donate books. Show up for them during this time, so they can keep showing up for your community.
Spread the word
Tell your friends, family, and wider community why you love your independent bookshop and why it’s important to show them support.
Thank a bookseller
This one is always important! Let them know how grateful you are for all they do. Extra credit if you write a card or bring something small, like flowers.
Divest from Amazon
When you divest your book purchases from Amazon, you help indies thrive. And we don’t have to stop with books; diminishing their overall power benefits all small businesses.
Want to divest your reading habits from Amazon? Use our guide for alternatives!
Whether we are visiting our local bookshop in person, ordering from them online, starting a Libro.fm membership, or spreading the word digitally, our actions are powerful! We can help these vital businesses thrive, which in turn positively benefits our wider community.