Celebrating
Independent
Bookstores
Blackstone Authors' Favorite Indie Bookstores
“Indie Bookstore Day is important to me because it's vital that we not only support, but also celebrate these incredible establishments! They offer so much, from tailored and personal shopping experiences to broader selections to in-person events. On top of that, they are run by knowledgeable people who have a true passion for books. When we support indie bookstores, we're lifting up and enriching our own communities.”
Barbed Wire Books,
Longmont, CO
“Barbed Wire Books is the literary heart of Longmont, Colorado. It’s everything an independent bookstore should be, filled with best-sellers and obscure books alike, not to mention a killer horror section. But the best thing about Barbed Wire Books are its passionate owner, Kathe Heinecken, and its knowledgeable staff. Too many communities live within a vast void of bookstores, and I’m thankful to have this oasis just down the road.”
Jon Bassoff
Barbed Wire Books,
Longmont, CO
“Barbed Wire Books is the literary heart of Longmont, Colorado. It’s everything an independent bookstore should be, filled with best-sellers and obscure books alike, not to mention a killer horror section. But the best thing about Barbed Wire Books are its passionate owner, Kathe Heinecken, and its knowledgeable staff. Too many communities live within a vast void of bookstores, and I’m thankful to have this oasis just down the road.”
Bloomsbury Books,
Ashland, OR
“Bloomsbury Books in Ashland, Oregon is my favorite independent bookstore. They have a friendly, knowledgeable staff who are always eager to help their patrons and suggest books for them, they are supportive of local authors, run well-organized in store appearances, they carry a really good selection of books and offer discounts for book club members. The store is a well-lit, welcoming environment, that has fabulous window displays which can be easily seen on the main street in town. It's an institution here, with a fabulous coffee shop on their upper level. It is THE place to shop for books in Ashland.”
“Prairie Lights—Iowa City’s independent bookstore since 1978 —is famous from coast to coast and beyond. Luckily for me, it’s been my friendly local bookstore for more than 30 years!”
Mary Helen Stefaniak
“Prairie Lights—Iowa City’s independent bookstore since 1978 —is famous from coast to coast and beyond. Luckily for me, it’s been my friendly local bookstore for more than 30 years!”
“The Oxford Exchange is in the heart of Tampa and is literally more than just the best independent bookstore in town. Equal parts eclectic bookstore, restaurant, event location, coffee shop and a great place for afternoon tea, Oxford provides great books and then a wonderful setting in which to read your latest discovery. We launched our brand as Andrews and Wilson with our very first book in the Tier One Series there in an event with Fox 13 anchor Russell Rhodes and it is still my favorite local store to browse.”
“As Kansas City's oldest Independent Bookstore, Rainy Day Books is a veritable institution—promoting literacy and philanthropy via their mission of community outreach. For almost fifty years, Vivien Jennings has owned and operated this full service bookstore, providing a gathering place for readers, authors, and book lovers alike. Rain or shine, the door is always open at Rainy Day Books.”
Brian Andrews
“As Kansas City's oldest Independent Bookstore, Rainy Day Books is a veritable institution—promoting literacy and philanthropy via their mission of community outreach. For almost fifty years, Vivien Jennings has owned and operated this full service bookstore, providing a gathering place for readers, authors, and book lovers alike. Rain or shine, the door is always open at Rainy Day Books.”