There's a lot to love about local independent book shops.
There’s a lot to love about local independent book shops. Clockwise from top left: Ruth Hartnup/ CC BY 2.0; Sharon Mollerus/ CC BY 2.0; Ben W/ CC BY-SA 2.0; Marco/ CC BY 2.0

For all the convenience of ordering online, nothing beats getting lost in the rows and shelves of a local bookstore. The personalized service, the atmosphere, the sheer element of discovery—these are the qualities that keep us coming back despite all the alternatives. It’s no secret that many independent bookstores are in a battle for their lives, and that just makes the ones that remain all the more precious.

Independent Bookstore Day is coming up on April 28, and we want to see what makes your favorite local bookstore special. Maybe it’s a private alcove that’s perfect for reading, or a friendly staffer who’s always ready with a great recommendation, or even a plucky shop cat that prowls the stacks. Whatever it is, every independent bookstore has its own unique atmosphere, and we need your help to capture as many of them as we can.

Fill out the form below and tell us about why you love your local independent bookstore. Then email a snapshot that you think captures your shop’s particular charm with the subject line “Independent Bookstore” to [email protected]. We’ll feature our favorites in an upcoming article on Independent Bookstore Day.

If you have a story of your own favorite bookstore to share, head over to our community forums and tell us about it!