Why it matters where you buy your books - Part 2
In our previous blog post, we talked about why shopping at independent bookshops is so important. This time, I’m handing the mic over to all of you—my fellow book lovers and indie bookshop supporters. We received so many fantastic comments that it was hard to choose, but here are just a few of the reasons why you all think indie bookshops matter:
Sophie from Hillsborough Bookshop here. I think book buying is so much more than just a physical book. The whole experience that comes with stepping into an independent and physical Bookshop is incomparable to other online alternatives, and even the likes of The Works/Waterstones/WHSmith etc. We are a human full to the brim of knowledge of our books. We can suggest brilliant books for you that those places couldn't. People are seeking out community, and a place they feel welcome, and that's what independent bookshops in particular can offer. With every sale at an independent you're helping them put that money back into the local economy, support schools with discounts on books for children who may not read at home, and help build a community of people who share a passion and joy. Our customers are loyal, and they care about the impact we have on reading for pleasure locally.
For us, it’s because we’re real people, trying to support our local community and share our love of books. Buying from us means you benefit from our expertise and experience, you can share our passion and meet other like minded people.
Independent bookshops support their local community. This means local charities, the local economy and they help diversify the high street with fun and interesting events. We couldn’t do that without our awesome customers who support us.
I try to buy most of my books secondhand, I like to give books another lease on life, and like to think I'm "rescuing" them from a fate in a landfill! You don't always find the books you want, but I enjoy rooting through piles of random books and finding hidden gems!
I also feel like books that have had previous owners feel more *alive* than new books!
I care deeply about purchasing books from independent bookshops, especially women owned, Black owned, LGBTQ+ owned. They curate amazing selections that lead to new discoveries of a favorite author, a genre, a small publishing house, a topic that I didn’t realize I wanted to explore until finding THAT BOOK—every one of my favorite impulse purchases came from an independent bookstore.
I love buying from independent bookstores because they are so passionate about books and when I pop in, they can get me excited about genres I may not usually read but they always steer me right! I love that independent bookstores can help share how fabulous it can be to get lost in a book
Independent bookshops like ours thrive on being part of the local community. Here at The Cobham Bookshop we have wonderful relationships with our loyal customers who rely on us to help them pick the perfect read whilst having a chat and a catch up. Even four legged customers visit us for treats! But we offer more than just books - our links with local schools, authors and charities help bring people together and keep us at the heart of our lovely high street.
We create a welcoming space for our customers, we champion local authors, suppliers, causes and events, we can give you genuine recommendations based on our own reading, and we pay our taxes!
I try to buy my books second hand. I love the idea of someone else having had some sort of relationship with the book I now hold. I also then feel sense of responsibility to pass this book on for someone else to enjoy.
My all time favourite is if someone has accidentally left something personal behind as a bookmark.
Bookshops have always been my safe space when the world is overwhelming. They're filled with imagination and books you didn't even know you needed and the service they provide, from amazing conversations with booksellers, to just being a respite from the world and also challenging us to learn new things and explore new ideas is completely invaluable. You don't get that experience online!
Oh, I love that you’re writing a blog post about this. I think it matters to buy books from passionate bookshop owners because they will curate a collection that represents their values and possibly yours as well. Books that don’t make the bestseller list can still shine this way and there becomes more space for diversity.
We sell beautifully bound books here at Herby Jacks. The hardback classics come with exquisite embossed covers, gold gilded pages, coloured illustrations and fine details bring beauty, personality and style to your bookshelves. Breathing fresh life into bygone literary novels they make read an extra special experience. Savouring the pages and words before you turn them. The environment in which you buy your book in matters. A book bought in creative, beautiful aesthetically pleasing surrounding , mirrors the beauty and experience of using the product.
I like to buy my books from independent bookshops when I see one. It is important to me that they pay their taxes, employ local people and make a difference to their local communities.
Of course, I understand the appeal of discounted books at chain stores. @pinny1967 shared that she buys her grandchildren’s books at The Works, and so she should—it’s important that children’s books remain accessible to everyone! But as Milena’s Bookshop pointed out, indie bookshops curate selections that often don’t make the bestseller list but still offer incredible value, and they create space for diverse voices.
When you shop at independent bookshops, you're doing more than buying a book. You’re supporting communities, helping local businesses thrive, and ensuring that smaller voices are heard in a sea of bestsellers. From personalised recommendations to creating welcoming spaces for all, these bookshops are not just selling books—they’re building connections.
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