Indie Bookstores as a Collective Phoenix

August 02, 2010

Indie Bookstores as a Collective Phoenix

New York Magazine is home to a big feature on thriving, newly-opened indie bookstores in New York City. As the piece itself acknowledges, this is an unusual bit of good news for these shops. What's different this time around? "In place of the dusty riots of yore are more curated, well-lit shops that emphasize personal service and community—book clubs, readings, charity projects, and even the occasional lit-geek basketball league." I like the word "curated" -- this really does seem to be the best purpose for any bricks-and-mortar bookseller. It makes no sense to be try to be a warehouse of deeply-stocked books; the internet serves that role and there is simply no competition. So what can indie booksellers offer instead? Something different. Something distinctive. Personal taste, community familiarity, eclecticism.

Image Credit: New York Magazine

Posted at 10:30 AM in Culture, Literary Life, Poetry | Permalink

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