“So often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, and reminded me that there are good things in the world.”

― Vincent van Gogh

Bookshops are the start of a great adventure. They are not just places to buy books. They are the airports where our minds can fly to other worlds where we find comfort, entertainment and information.

As small businesses around the world are closing down due to the coronavirus pandemic, independent booksellers are also forced to shut the doors of their bookshops as part of the social-distancing measures, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The current crisis poses a grave threat to the existence of bookshops, therefore, we need to support them and help them stay afloat, now, more than ever.

Why Bookshops Are Important?

“A town isn’t a town without a bookstore.”

― Neil Gaiman

Independent bookshops not only provide us with an escape inside the covers of books but also act as community centres. While there are countless reasons to support these wonderful places, we are going to give you the top 5 reasons why we need to support and amplify these community centres?

1. Bookshops are essential for the long-term health and intellectual growth of a community.
2. They give back to schools, nonprofit organisations, literary events and the local community.
3. They bring people of all backgrounds closer together to discuss and exchange ideas.
4. They support local creativity and talent. The independent bookshops host author events and promote their work.
5. Independent bookshops create local jobs in our community.

How to Support Your Local Independent Bookshop?

The social-distancing measures and lockdown are indispensable to stop the spread of coronavirus. But fortunately, there are still many ways through which you can help our local bookshops stay afloat.

Order Books Online:

You can still buy books online as a lot of Independent bookstores are still operating and taking orders via their website and telephone. To check if your local independent bookstore is still operating online, you can use the Booksellers Association’s Bookshop Finder by clicking the button below. It will let you find all the useful information about your local bookstore including their website and telephone numbers.

You can also download the Bookseller Association’s ‘Bookshop Search’ app from Google Play Store and Apple Store.

Books Are My Bag is another nationwide campaign by Booksellers Association, bringing the readers and independent bookstores closer. Follow their hashtag #ChooseBookShops on social media and share the word with the world. Visit their website and follow their social media accounts to stay updated with the latest news about your favourite bookstores.

Pre-order Books:

Another way to support Independent bookstores is by pre-ordering the books that are coming out in the next few months. If you are not looking forward to any upcoming books, then you could contact your local bookshops and ask them for recommendations.

Buy Gift Cards:

Show your support by purchasing gift cards from the website of your local independent bookstore. A bookstore gift card would also be a wonderful gift for your friends or family through this challenging time. 

Stock up on Books:

As we continue to socially isolate ourselves at our homes, we have plenty of time for reading. Nothing is better than spending your free time with a good book. So contact your local bookstore online and fill your bookshelves with wonderful books. A lot of independent bookstores are also giving recommendations over the phone.

Subscribe to Your Bookstore’s Newsletter:

Sign-up to your local bookstore’s newsletter and follow them on their social media accounts. This way, you’ll be updated with how your local bookstore is operating and providing services. You could also share their newsletters and social media posts with your friends and let them know how they can buy books online. You can share your social media posts using Books Are My Bag’s hashtag #ChooseBookShops to support your local independent bookstore.

Only a few places feel more comforting than a bookstore and we all love to escape in the bookshelves of our favourite bookstore whenever we need a distraction. We need to support the places we love!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about the best books to read during these times of social-distancing. Share with us what you are reading or writing at home using #StayBookedStayHome.

If you’re a writer who has just finished writing a book and want to get it published, then you’re welcome to submit your manuscript to us. Visit our submissions page online and submit your work now!