Put a Bucket Over It—Explore Your Independent Bookstore

Have you ever had a mouse in your house? If so, you may be able to relate to the common image of someone jumping on a kitchen chair armed with a broom and releasing a high-pitch scream.

I once had a mouse in my house while my husband wasn’t home. The little critter wasn’t quick and full of life, so jumping on a chair or screaming was unnecessary. But it did stop me in my tracks and put a division between me and my kitchen as it lay on the floor, twitching.

I couldn’t bring myself to finish what needed to be done… so I placed a bucket over it and went shopping until my husband returned.

Since then, I have learned how to put a bucket over another type of mouse—the computer mouse. It's in everyone’s home nowadays, and it can cause division between us and our local Independent Bookstores.

Getting out from behind my computer

With the writing and editing phases complete for The Believing Single, I am now in the marketing stage, which takes me into the marketplace in a different capacity. I serve and am served while doing book signings and visiting independent bookstore owners and their communities.

Even with introverted tendencies, I find relief and a freshness in interacting with faces and personalities as I detach myself from the mouse. I am finding local bookstores are stepping out and creating new spaces for their communities, and I like it. This experience has also revealed the division I have allowed my computer mouse to build between me and my local marketplace. Can you relate?

Being obligated to a subscription

When you shop for a book, do you click the mouse then wait for the mail?

Do you pay for a subscription that creates an obligation as tight as a family bond?

Does this remove you from the physical marketplace? If so, what are you missing out on?

What does an Independent Bookstore have to offer?

When I put a bucket over my electronic mouse, I find that independent bookstores often create a cozy, small-town atmosphere that feels like home, even in big cities. Many of these stores provide event spaces for small groups to gather. Do you have hospitality but not the space to host a small group? Your local independent bookstore may have a solution for you.

Independent bookstores play a vital role in our communities by offering a wide range of resources to support them and foster face-to-face conversations with others, including the authors of the books on their shelves. Yah! Bookstore owners enjoy bringing opportunities to their community and make great efforts to provide an environment for meaningful engagement. Independent bookstores want to welcome you.

Here are a few things I have personally discovered in Independent Bookstores:

• Others (customers and employees) who are passionate and knowledgeable about books.

• Relationships—I meet the owners whom I support, and in return, who support me and their communities. Psst…Often, the person waiting on you is the owner.

• Obviously, the ability to take home a book instantly and…the ability to order books that may not be on the shelf with free shipping…sound familiar?

• Unique products, games, journals, stationery, special edition books, and sometimes locally made items. Fun!

• Unique community spaces—I discovered stores with indoor and outdoor spaces for events and small groups to meet, accessible to the handicapped. One even had an outdoor grill. Get creative and check it out!

• Children's spaces are filled with activities, arts and crafts, and story time.

• Ability to touch, flip through pages, and investigate the product before I buy.

• Something for the entire family.

• Some even offer convenient home delivery…sound familiar?

Get Connected

Nowadays, information comes to us electronically. Therefore, I must cautiously surrender and take my mouse out from under the bucket when it's appropriate and valuable to stay informed.

Ways you can connect with your local Independent Bookstore with your mouse:

• Some have online libraries, audiobooks to download, and online resources available. Again, does this sound familiar?

• Sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about new products, in-person activities, and community events, and to experience everything your independent bookstore offers.

Gratefulness for Independent Bookstores

I am grateful for the support and opportunities these bookstores have given me in person, and at the same time, given to their customers by hosting events for my books. They allow me to connect with readers and listen to the stories they graciously share with me, something a mouse prevents.

Tell me:

What impactful service or feature does your local Independent Bookstore offer to you?

When it’s appropriate to uncover your mouse, share your input with me: Instagram.com/tracielobsteinauthor or Facebook/tracielobsteinauthor