10 fantastic reasons to support indie bookshops
Libby Page, author of The Vintage Shop and The Lido, has joined us for Independent Bookshop Week to share 10 fantastic reasons why you should support your local indie – during IBW and beyond!
"One of my favourite things to do is to spend a happy afternoon browsing in a lovely bookshop. Indie bookshops helped launch my career by getting behind my first novel The Lido. I often hear from readers who've been recommended my books by their local bookshop and it's this personal touch that makes local bookshops so special. They do such a brilliant job of bringing books, authors, and readers together.
On a personal level, when I moved to my hometown of Frome, one of the first things I did was to connect with my local indie bookshop, Winstone's Hunting Raven Books. The staff there immediately made me feel at home, welcoming me to the town, and making me feel part of the community. Visiting the bookshop always gives me a great sense of connection and wellbeing.
Which is why I'm so happy to be supporting Independent Bookshop Week. There are so many reasons why we should all support our local indies, but here are my top ten..." Libby Page
To find your next great read...
... and maybe a book you hadn't expected to pick up. Most indie bookshops have a section for staff picks that makes a great place to start if you're stuck for what to read next or are keen to try something different to your usual reading – you can also find bookseller recommendations in our Ask a Bookseller feature!
To help find that perfect gift
Indie booksellers are great for recommendations so if you’re in search of a book for that tricky family member, they may well be able to help you. Books make the best gifts (along with a National Book Token, of course!).
For beautiful browsing
There's nothing quite like going into a lovely bookshop and having a good browse, getting pulled towards books you might never have found online. I’m convinced that browsing in a bookshop is good for the soul.
For a sense of community
Bookshops aren't just places to buy books but are community hubs where book lovers come together and connect. And lots of bookshops also do great things for their communities, supporting schools and community projects.
To make friends!
If you love books then chances are you'll have a lot in common with the staff at an indie bookshop. Why not have a chat next time you pop in to your local bookshop?
To keep up to date with new releases
Indie booksellers have their fingers on the pulse in terms of what great new books are coming out – they can keep you in the know so you don't miss anything.
For exciting author events
Lots of indie bookshops offer a wide range of events, giving you the chance to meet your favourite authors and ask them about their books. Don't forget you can also sign up to our website to receive offers and events from your local indies direct to your inbox!
To discover local authors or local-interest books
Most indie bookshops have a tailored section for local authors or with books that are specific to their location. So, if you'd like to learn more about where you live, or are on holiday and want to know more about the local area, then pop in to the local bookshop.
To support your local high street
Our high streets need us now more than ever with rising costs making it harder for businesses to keep their doors open. By supporting your local bookshop you’re helping real people and keeping your bookshop open for everyone to enjoy..
Because indie bookshops are just great!
They do a wonderful job of celebrating books and authors, offering a personal service and promoting reading in the community. Our towns and cities just wouldn't be the same without them.
About The Vintage Shop by Libby Page
Among the cobbled streets of the Somerset town of Frome, Lou is embarking on the start of something new. After the death of her beloved mother, she takes a deep breath into the unknown and is opening her own vintage clothes shop.
In upstate New York, Donna has just found out some news about her family which has called into question her whole upbringing. The only clue she has to unlock her past is a picture of a yellow dress, and the fact it is currently on display in a shop in England.
For Maggy, she is facing life as a 70-something divorcee and while she got the house, she's not sure what to fill it with now her family have moved out. The new vintage shop in town sparks memories of her past and reignites a passion she's been missing...
Together, can these three women find the answers they are searching for and unlock a second chance at a new life?
It's never too late to start again...
