Since the invention of the printing press, book stores represented a wealth of knowledge that could be purchased locally. Usually located at the center of the village or town, the book store would be patronized by those who could read, and as literacy expanded in the 19th and 20th century, more and more book stores sprung to meet the demand. In the 1970s and 1980s, publishing houses gobbled up each other, leading to a reduction in publishers and a decrease in the profits of local bookstores. They continued to operate, but the overall number of bookstores slowly declined.
The arrival of Amazon changed everything. Suddenly bookstores went out of business in droves as the digital giant pushed profits down, and facilitated access to an inventory no local store could match. The loss of bookstores contributed to the ravage of main streets across the nation. But then a small light at the end of the tunnel appeared, and since the mid 2010s, the number of local bookstores has actually increased, as people seek a community, and not just the lowest price.
Bookstores feature local collections designed to address the reading needs of their population. They offer onsite events, celebrations, and cement a whole neighborhood. Bookstores challenge the narrative that the United States is a monolith melting pot, and they offer views that may not be popular. Bookstores also document their own community, providing meeting space and a convivial environment where marginalized groups can find themselves.
Bookstores deserve our support. Next time you purchase a book, think about your local bookstore!
