The Importance of Independent Bookshops

Going to a bookshop for me is an event. Browsing through titles, reading blurbs, and inhaling that new book smell are all things that make shopping for books feel exciting and special. However, not all bookshops are created equal. For this week’s blog I’ve been looking into independent bookshops, why they are so important and why they need you. 

I’m sure you are familiar with some of the big chain booksellers. I’m also sure you’ve probably shopped in them, so have I. Chain stores are a lot of people’s go to shops. Each one is set up the same, you’ll know your way around no matter where the store is. There are benefits to these big stores that can’t be ignored. Often the prices are lower which appeals to readers and they are more likely to have a wider array of options because of the sheer size of the stores. Yet, from these big stores something is missing. 

Community

The independent bookshop on your highstreet most likely is run for and by your community. Books cater to your surrounding area, with local authors and stories being at the forefront. On a recent trip to Glastonbury I found the independent bookshops a highlight. The Hollow Hills bookshop was probably my favourite. The shop caters to its environment in Avalon.  If you want to read about magic, spirituality and nature, it’s the place for you. 

With community at the heart of independent bookshops, a love for reading is nurtured. I can think of a local bookshop near me that my granny loves. She buys books and gifts from there for her family. In turn it has become a place I love too. Even my nephew has had gifts from there. A love of reading transcends generations and by keeping this in your local community you can fuel it. Shopping at Independent bookshops also keeps trade within the community, sustaining highstreets and local small businesses. 

Individuality

Chains often push popular titles and what is trending within the publishing industry is the focus of sales. Whereas independents are more likely to have unique books. They often stock lesser known authors and sometimes even self-published authors. They are a place of wider discovery. They’ll stock those big names too but also the hidden gems that you might not discover in a chain. You can broaden your reading horizons in indie bookshops and you might just find an author before they become the next big name.

Personality 

Am I personifying bookshops? Yes, yes I am. I’m sure it’s not just me but each shop I go into has a different personality. Some are quaint or cosy or quirky. For me, chains don’t really have the same effect. This is slightly down to aesthetics. Chains all look the same but each indie shop is different. Sure, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but on this occasion I think it’s ok. Another reason indie’s have more personality is because of the staff. In an independent shop, if you ask for a recommendation it’s more likely to be tailored to you, especially if the shops are within your own community. Whilst all booksellers probably love books, in an independent they live for them. You're also more likely to be able to have a discussion with staff in independents. Ask questions about what they love reading, what to read about the area, who some underappreciated authors are. Nurture those conversations and you're sure to find some great reads. 

Why Independent Bookshops Need You

You know that slightly evil sounding company? The one that randomly sends rich people to space? Yeah, that one. They have a grip on the publishing industry. Selling books at a loss in order to become a publishing leader. To be clear, there is no love for books there. It’s bad for booksellers, authors and you as a reader. Sure it's cheap in the meantime but what does it mean for the future of publishing? 

When you shop in a local business the trade stays in the community. It keeps your highstreet alive and books in your local area. If indie bookshops are kept alive, they can host events, author talks, signings, picture book readings for children. We can all appreciate these things and quite frankly their vital to keep education, literature and a love for reading of all kinds in your community. 

What Do Independent Bookshops Have to Say? 

Whilst writing this week's blog I contacted an independent bookshop (Gullivers Bookshop in Wimborne, Dorset- definitely visit if you can!)  to get their take on what makes them so special and important to their community.  This is what Jane from Gullivers had to say: 

 “Serendipity is a word that is often used in our shop. People come in for one thing and leave with something completely different but completely perfect for them!

We're also a space for people to pop in just to browse or to say hello, sometimes just to rest in our chair before carrying on with their journey. We're important to our community and they are important to us. 

We employ people locally and they use local businesses who then pay their staff who then shop locally and on and on it goes!” 

I think that quote encapsulates the magic of independent bookshops and feels like a great way to end the blog. So when your next looking to buy book (when aren't you looking to buy a book) go to your independent bookshop, engage with your community and keep a love for reading alive!