Here is my annual Public Service Announcement:

Today is Independent Bookstore Day in the United States, assuming you are reading this on the day it comes out.  It’s a nationwide party for book lovers.  Here in Chicago, local independent bookstores are once again hosting their bookstore crawl in celebration.  I’m lucky enough to have three independent bookstores within walking distance: the fabulous Seminary Coop, its more commercial younger sister, 57th Street Books, and,  just around the corner from our house) Call and Response Books, which specializes in books by and about people of color.  In addition, Barnes and Noble just opened a store in the neighborhood. [1]  So many choices.  So little room on my bookshelves. [2]

A bookstore visit always leaves me feeling a little better. I browse.  I scan the shelf readers—those cards on the shelves that tell you something about a book. I chat about books with the booksellers. I eavesdrop on other people’s bookish conversations. I check to see if my books are on the shelves. I check to see if my friends books are on the shelves. I sheepishly take photos to post on social media. I try to resist the temptation to buy books I don’t need. [3] I give in to temptation and buy some anyway, which I justify by reminding myself that it’s important to support independent bookstores.

If you’re lucky enough to have an independent bookstore near you, stop by and show them some love. If not, you can adopt an independent bookstore somewhere else—most of them ship. Or you can buy your books through Bookshop.org, an online bookseller that supports independent bookstores.

[1]  I must admit, I have mixed feelings about the new store.  It is beautiful and well stocked, but I worry that my local indies will find it hard to compete.

[2]  By which I mean no room on my bookshelves.

[3]I have enough unread books to keep me going for years, even without taking my habit of re-reading into account.