I have written in previous posts about small businesses', specifically independent booksellers, struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic and in our world in general. I want YOU to use this post as encouragement to start ordering all your books from local bookstores and as a reference. *Disclaimer* I am sponsored by NONE of the following organizations.
The American Booksellers Association has a bookstore finder where you can find all registered bookstores in your area. You simply type in your city and state or your zip code and bookstores' addresses pop up. This is a great tool to use if you can't find a independent store near you.
Book Industry Charitable Foundation helps independent bookstores during financial emergencies. They have a specific sector/plan for bookstores affected by COVID-19 losses. Get involved with them if you like!
Libro.fm is a audio book app that, in contrast to apps like Audible, gives back to local bookstores. Same books. Same price. Different Story. While I love apps like Audible, as it has brought great literature to the masses, we need to be supporting local bookstores right now.
What if my local bookstore doesn't have an online store? Bookshop has you covered. Buy books online. Support local bookstores. Shop online with Bookshop. They have raised $4,858,668.14 so far.
IndieBound is a community of local bookstores, and they also have search engine like a mentioned in the description of ABA. Check them out!
How Else Can I Help?
- Buy through THEIR online stores/websites instead of Amazon.
- Participate in virtual events (author talks, book debuts, etc.). A "Best Virtual Events" post is forthcoming!
- Follow and interact with bookstores on social media. (I did a thread recently on this blog's instagram: @betweenthepgs. You can find it in the story highlights on my profile.)
- A lot of your favorite bookstores have started go-fund-me pages during this time.
- Sign-up for THEIR newsletter!
- Pre-Order books online. If a book is coming out in August or September, the bookstore needs that money now, and if you were going to spend it anyway when the book was officially released...
- Buy a gift card! Perfect, clean, and safe gift!
Happy Reading!! And, Happy Helping!!
Thank you so much!! I know it is always good to help independents!
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