#independent-bookstores

#independent-bookstores

You don't have to walk very far in London before stumbling upon a gem of a bookshop. The city's rich spread of indie bookstores has something for everyone, whether you're after new novels, rare zines, antique classics, translated treasures or queer catalogues. And they're always full of character, created out of genuine love for the written word. Now, one of London's bookshops has been named one of the best in the world.

The industry's success was far from inevitable. For a long time, indie bookstores were struggling. In 1995, when Amazon opened as the "Earth's largest bookstore" and started undercutting the prices at brick and mortar stores, readers quickly started shopping online. Small stores, which were already facing competition from chains like Borders, started to close. By 2009, the number of independent bookstores across the country had dropped to an all-time low. Experts predicted that the industry would collapse.

Corchin and Illustrator Dan Dougherty were hosted at Dandelion Bookshop for an event promoting their new children's book, "A Million Yes's." While the book is available online, Corchin is encouraging readers to purchase it at their neighborhood, independent bookstore. "Its a great community business to rally around," said Corchin. "Bookstores are fighting for their right to survive in todays day and age."

Powell's City of Books is not just an independent bookstore in Portland. It is arguably the largest independent bookstore in the world and proof that Portland is one of the literary centers of the nation. The headquarters building takes up a full block on the busiest street in the heart of the city, a destination for book-loving residents and visitors alike.

Sisters Bea and Leah Koch, owners of The Ripped Bodice, recognized a gap between romance novels and independent bookstores, creating a special community in Park Slope.