Supporting Indie Bookstores Online
Photo: Ty’rel Jones
The COVID-19 pandemic is something most of us could have never prepared for. This especially for thriving independent bookstores that count on daily patronage in order to support their doors remaining open. With juggernauts like Amazon looming, it’s imperative to support indies more now than ever at this time.
Since many of us will be within our home quarters for the foreseeable future, what better time than now to pick up a few books? And if you’re anything like us and probably have a long list of books you still need to read, the good news is, you have options! Independent bookstores are also adding great merchandise to their online stores that you can choose to purchase as well. Here are a couple mainstays that we would love to support but not at all an exhaustive list. Feel free to shout out bookstores in your area in the comments!
And when all is said and done and the Coronavirus becomes a moment in the history books, be sure to visit and support these places of business in person.
Philadelphia
Uncle Bobbies
Located in Philadelphia, Uncle Bobbies has a great community vibe. Many creatives hangout here during the week to get work done and catch up on the latest releases. And the sweet potato pie is definitely worth the hype. Support them by checking out their online store with great merch!
https://uncle-bobbies.myshopify.com/
Harriett’s Bookshop
Only recently celebrating their grand opening this book shop is owned by an awesome black woman, Jeannine Cook. Imagine dealing with a pandemic in the first few months of business? Please take a minute and order a book from their newly created online portal! Support black women, always!
https://conversationswithharriett.bigcartel.com/
Washington, D.C.
Mahogany Books
A staple in the Washington, D.C. area, Mahogany Books has supported so many authors that walked through their doors. Both books and merch are available on their site for purchase.
https://www.mahoganybooks.com/mahoganys-bookshelf/
New York
The Lit. Bar
When the Barnes & Noble in Bronx closed its doors, it left the borough without a bookstore. That’s when Noelle Santos stepped in. On April 27, 2019, The Lit. Bar opened its doors to provide a much needed resource for the community. Shop their books through Bookshop.org.
https://bookshop.org/books?keywords=The+Lit+Bar
Cafe Con Libros
This Brooklyn based bookstore values family. community. justice. art. transparency. accountability. equity. equality. authenticity. joy. solidarity. earth. the brilliance and possibility of imperfection. love. Although their in-store collection highlights feminist authors, you can order any book from their online portal!