April 30th is Independent Bookstore Day. It is a day much like the recently celebrated “Sibling Day” or the soon to be celebrated “Say Something Nice Day.” Most people don’t need to be reminded of our siblings or to say something nice, but independent bookstores? Definitely a need to raise awareness!
Most likely you are familiar with River Road Books. We have called you “our customer” in both past and present. We are thankful to be part of a community that has supported us for decades. Indeed, we have occupied the space at 759 River Road long enough to see children move from diapers to middle school, from braces to graduate school, from hockey practices to mission trips. We have supported husbands through career changes, corporate downsizings, start-up endeavors, and doctoral pursuits. We have lost parents and grandparents and celebrated the lives of many friends and customers whose reading habits are legendary. Time has passed in the blink of an eye! However, in that same time we have waged war with the forces of Amazon and e-readers in the current “age of distraction.” There are so many things pulling at us, who has the time to read?
So, why is an independent bookstore worth celebrating? You can browse, or chat with friends and neighbors on a rainy afternoon – classics, new releases, local authors – ANYTHING! Attend events such as midnight Harry Potter parties or wake up early for a copy of the new Wimpy Kid. Come listen to authors such as Nathaniel Philbrick, Robert Kurson, or Rainbow Rowell thoroughly discuss their works in detail. We provide our customers with recommendations and guidance for their children or grandchildren in selecting a book club book, as shopping online can be quite difficult when you don’t know what book to select.
At River Road Books, we are grateful to share our love of the written word with such a literary-minded community. So many people tell us on a weekly basis how much they appreciate us being here. So come celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with us on April 30th. We are definitely worth celebrating!
Laurie Potter
River Road Books
Fair Haven
