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Always On A Quest To Learn

I went to a program at Bookends and Beginnings Bookstore in Evanston, IL called “How To Protect Bookstores & Why:Danny Caine with Nina Barrett” a few weeks ago.  Danny was talking about his book How To Protect Bookstores and Why: The present and future of bookselling.

Danny Caine was amazing. So funny, knowledgeable and honest about owning a bookstore.  He advocates for local bookstores when he is not running his own bookstore in Kansas or writing books, which means he works 24/7, but he seemed to love every aspect of his work and his journey.  It was a fast hour and we could all have stayed much longer to learn and hear his and Nina’s stories.

Some of the standout thoughts they shared which I never thought about –

  • One was that independent bookstores are very mindful about book placement, encouraging you to look at new things that might fit nicely next to the safe space you found the book you were going to buy – so smart!
  • Another, that bookstores have always been a safe gathering place to meet people at for book club meetings, community meetings or other forward thinking meetings that engage you to help make positive social change in communities. He stated that bookstores are his vision of community and I will be using that as my vision of the community as well because it’s just perfect!

Some other ideas I found while researching –

  • Unlike their corporate counterparts that often prioritize bestsellers and mainstream titles, independent bookstores pride themselves on their handpicked selections. Independent booksellers curate their collections based on personal taste, expertise, and a genuine love for literature. As a result, you’ll often find unique and lesser-known titles that may have slipped under the radar of larger retailers. Independent bookstores are treasure troves for discovering hidden gems and exploring niche genres. (https://lostinbookland.com/the-magic-of-bookshops-why-independent-bookstores-matter/)
  • Independent bookstores play a vital role in supporting local authors and fostering a thriving literary community. They often host author events, book signings, and readings, providing a platform for writers to connect with their readership. By showcasing local talent, independent bookshops encourage creativity, nurture aspiring writers, and contribute to the cultural fabric of their communities. (https://lostinbookland.com/the-magic-of-bookshops-why-independent-bookstores-matter/)
  • Independent bookstores play a vital role in supporting local authors and fostering a thriving literary community. They often host author events, book signings, and readings, providing a platform for writers to connect with their readership. By showcasing local talent, independent bookshops encourage creativity, nurture aspiring writers, and contribute to the cultural fabric of their communities. (https://lostinbookland.com/the-magic-of-bookshops-why-independent-bookstores-matter/)
  • In a world dominated by mass-market trends, independent bookstores champion diversity and celebrate the richness of literature from various cultures and perspectives. They are more likely to stock books by marginalized authors, independent publishers, and international titles that might not gain mainstream attention. By embracing a diverse range of voices, independent bookshops contribute to a more inclusive and representative literary landscape. (https://lostinbookland.com/the-magic-of-bookshops-why-independent-bookstores-matter/)

Dannie Caines book, 50 Ways To Protect Book Stores, offered some great ideas which fit into what Save Small Shops does and how we can do these things for all small shops.  I’ll only share a few because of course I encourage you to buy the book – but these are such easy things to wrap our heads around to really make an impact in our communities I just had to share.

  • Always shop in local independently owned bookstores
  • Join a book club
  • Bring your kids
  • Bring a date
  • Write good reviews online
  • Ask big questions about the future of bookstores.

There are 44 more that are equally as easy so please consider picking up his book and trying to do one a week or a month!

Danny’s other books are  How to Resist Amazon and Why (volume 1 and 2), and many poetry collections.  https://www.dannycaine.com/  https://www.humanitieskansas.org/get-involved/kansas-stories/people/meet-danny-caine.  He is an interesting guy to learn from so follow his book tour and shop local book stores!