This Saturday, April 27, is Independent Bookstore Day in Canada! Why would you buy books from an independent, rather than a chain or a giant superstore type seller? Well. Independent bookstores are owned and operated by book lovers, also known as readers. And they sell books. You might also find some book-themed t-shirts or socks, a few games, or puzzles. But – the majority of the store will be filled with BOOKS. The books being sold will have been chosen carefully and it is likely that many of them will have been read by some staff member, so when you ask for help choosing, the staff will know the books.
Some independent bookstores are specialty stores and some are more general – regardless, they are full of treasures! A few of our local independent bookstores are:
Kidsbooks: of course this store focuses on kids’ books.
Iron Dog Books & Massy Books: while both have all sorts of books, they are especially great for books with an Indigenous focus.
Upstart & Crow: focuses on small and independent presses, and titles from local and international emerging authors
Pulp Fiction: sells only books – new and used
There are other independent bookstores in our community. Look for one near you. And on Saturday, get out and support an independent bookseller. They support our right to read.