In the US, a Wave of New Owners Brings Fresh Energy to Independent Bookselling
Amber Salazar exemplifies the idealist spirit inherent in many independent bookstore owners. A lifelong reader from Colorado Springs, Colorado, she felt deeply angered by the wave of book bans sweeping the nation. Motivated to make a difference, Salazar launched Banned Wagon Books, a pop-up bookstore that finds temporary homes in places like wineries and coffee shops. Her inventory proudly features frequently censored works such as Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer, Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give, and Toni Morrison’s Beloved.
Salazar, who donates a portion of her profits to organizations opposing literary censorship, explains, “I decided to open a bookstore to contribute in some small way and stand up for intellectual freedom in the US.” Her venture combines her love of literature with supporting local businesses that weathered difficult times during the pandemic.
Salazar is part of a dynamic wave of new, often younger, owners breathing new life into the independent book community. These entrepreneurs are driven by a mission beyond commerce. For many, it’s about amplifying marginalized voices and experiences or placing authors of color at the forefront of their collections, like Call & Response in Chicago, which centers the voices of Black and other authors of color.
Independent bookstores in the US may never return to their former glory of 50 years ago due to the rise of large chains and online retailers, but predictions of their extinction appear unfounded. The American Booksellers Association (ABA) has seen its membership swell, with over 3,281 locations and more than 200 new stores in the pipeline.
“It’s incredible, this kind of energy,” says Allison Hill, CEO of the ABA, reflecting on the resilience of the community despite past fears. However, Hill acknowledges challenges remain, such as high costs of supplies and increased caution among educators due to censorship laws.
Salazar connects with fellow bookstore owners through an Instagram group, Bookstores Helping Bookstores, fostering a community dedicated to providing genuine connections. In an era dominated by social media, Salazar believes people crave the community that books often catalyze.
Stephen Sparks, owner of Point Reyes Books near San Francisco, shares that the pandemic deepened the role of bookstores as community hubs. He notes that sales have surged, driven by a renewed appreciation for the refuge and connection bookstores provide.
The new wave of bookstore owners brings diverse backgrounds to the industry. Salazar transitioned from property insurance sales and retail management, while Courtney Bledsoe, owner of Call & Response, left a career in corporate law. She undertook a thorough study of the book retail business, ready to embrace the substantial risks involved.
“This endeavor is probably the hardest thing I have ever done in my life,” Bledsoe admits, cognizant of the time it might take before she can earn a salary. Yet, the motivation goes beyond financial gain; it’s about serving the community and sharing a love for literature through events and curated collections.
The evolving landscape of independent bookselling in the US highlights not only resilience but also a renewed commitment to intellectual freedom and community engagement. As new owners like Salazar and Bledsoe reshape the industry with fresh perspectives, they emphasize the enduring relevance of independent bookstores as bastions of culture and connection in a rapidly changing world.
