The Literary!
While the occasional trip to a large, corporate bookstore is fun, I find that smaller stores are much more pleasing. Large chain stores like Barnes and Noble lack some personality, in my opinion. They tend to steer towards more mainstream books from well-known authors.
Indie bookstores are much more specific to the area, and tend to harbor books from local authors and authors that might not have been able to get their books into bigger stores. In my experience, the smaller stores are the most well cared for and passionate spaces. Each book is hand picked for its shelf, and no space is filled simply to be filled. Oftentimes, they only have one or two copies of each book. This allows for constant circulation and refreshing new material to be added.
I notice that smaller bookstores tend to leave more space to authors that usually get set aside in more corporate settings. Authors of color, authors with disabilities, and queer authors get their spotlight in independent bookstores. I think that this is really beneficial, to have different perspectives and ideas in a singular place. If you were to pull five books from five separate shelves in an indie bookstore and read them, you would leave a more well rounded and informed person.
If you are looking for an Indie bookstore to paw through, The Literary is a small bookstore in downtown Champaign. The inside is delightful, including a small bakery and cafe area. The food is at times questionable in quality, but that isn't the point here. It sets a very cozy atmosphere, with areas to sit and read as well as high shelves and tables stacked with books.
As for the books, you can tell it is geared towards a young adult audience. However, I find that their notes and special features delightful. They often circulate through "staff picks," and each staff member writes a post it about their favorite book. I enjoy reading each one, and seeing how each staff member has such different opinions on what a good book is.
Please go support a local business and check it out!!
-Olive Jan
I haven't been to the Literary in a while, and now I'm dying to go back. I completely agree that smaller bookstores are cozier and more welcoming. I also really liked your point that reading 5 random books from a small bookstore would make you a more informed person.
ReplyDeleteThe Literary is one of my favorite places, and I'm glad you enjoyed going too! We need to get together and buy more books than we would ever need sometime :) I've found so many unique reads from the store!!
ReplyDeleteI had never went to a Literary, maybe like twice but I never got anything, I think I should find one that is close by and go check it out😅.
ReplyDeleteI love Lit. The atmosphere is just perfect for cranking out some work or sitting down and reading a book! What is your favorite book that you have found at Lit?
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