In celebration of Independent Bookstore Day 2020 (IBD 2020), we asked real members of our community to share what local, independent bookstores and Libro.fm mean to them. We heard from readers and listeners far and wide, and were so moved by their stories and enthusiasm for bookstores. Their videos, and a compilation of many of the entries, can be found below!
Wait—what’s Independent Bookstore Day?
Saturday, August 29th, was Independent Bookstore Day—a national party that celebrates independent bookstores across the country. Typically held on the last Saturday in April, this year’s virtual and socially-distanced celebration was moved to a later date due to COVID-19.
Independent Bookstore Day 2020 video winners!
“The community here in Oxford, Mississippi, of course is wonderful in its ways, but there are also places where I couldn’t stand alone [as a Black, queer, female in America]. But Square Books is one of the places I walk into, and there’s just light….I just bask in it.”
Amya, customer of Square Books in Oxford, MS
“I’ve been supporting [this] bookstore for a long time, especially during the pandemic. I’ve had books delivered to me. I’ve sent books to friends as gifts—both Libro[.fm] gifts and from Garden District Book Shop.”
Chris, customer of Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, LA
“Independent Bookstore Day is usually such a special day….Knowing that I can support [my local bookstores] by buying audiobooks through Libro.fm…makes it a little bit easier.”
Vanessa, customer of Cafe con Libros in Pomona, CA
“I’ve been going to Kepler’s only for about the last, maybe, year [as an adult], and…it’s kinda crazy how much it changed my life even though it’s only been such a short amount of time.”
Talia, customer of Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park, CA
“Libro.fm and my local bookstores mean so much to me because those feel like the places where I can truly, truly escape into a different kind of world.”
Jarett, customer of Tattered Cover Book Store in Denver, CO
“It’s just a personal touch. I feel known and seen. [Phoenix Books] has an incredible selection—a thoughtful selection.”
Valerie, customer of Phoenix Books in Burlington, VT
Check out this compilation of many of the participants in this year’s video challenge!
Thanks to all our participants, to the Libro.fm community, and—most of all—to local, independent bookstores for providing supported and beloved spaces to explore a love of books.