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9 Reasons to Love Bookstores

9 Reasons to Love Bookstores

For the past year I’ve struggled with a lot concerning this blog. I’ve struggled with time to dedicate to it as I started not one, but two part-time jobs. I’ve struggled to sit down and focus as I’ve been transitioning to a new university and working to fix the issues caused by my last school. But most of all, I’ve struggled with my love of reading. . .or the now-lack-thereof.

However, I feel like this is changing for the better as my life begins to settle back out. I’ve found myself enticed by various books once more and a strong reason for this has been bookstores.

No matter what bookstore it is, whether it’s a small, privately-owned shop or a large corporation such as Barnes & Noble or BooksAMillion, bookstores have always been a home to me and have had a place within my heart. Today, I wanted to just step back to the basics and perhaps remind us all of why bookstores mean so much to us.

1.) Books, obviously

Who am I kidding? The first and most important reason are the books themselves. As soon as you walk into a bookstore you are greeted by their smell and presence. Most likely they are the sole or main reason for which you are there. Duh.

2.) Helpful recommendations and stories from the staff

Something that I personally find endearing about bookstores is the fact that almost all of them have a passionate and knowledgeable staff. The past few times I’ve been to my local Barnes & Noble I was given recommendations from the staff as well as told interesting stories. For example, the cashiers learn about my dad’s love of the Game of Thrones (which I have yet to read myself, unfortunately) and have given me recommendations and stories to pass along to him, from a story of how they met one of the actors in the show to another writer my dad would surely love.

Ahem. Dad, if you’re reading this, I forgot to pass on that recommendation.

They’ll help you look for books you’d like, telling you all about them. One of my good friends works at Barnes & Noble and when I’m there with her she recommends 10 different manga to me.

EOS 1

I’ve read, like, one manga series in my whole life. Comics in general aren’t something I’ve dabbled in too much, but she’s convinced me to give them a go.

3.) They are full of like-minded individuals

I’m not big on talking to strangers if I’m not at work. But whenever I have to, bookstores are my favorite place to do so. It feels like home and no matter what, there’s always one shared love that we can go back to, no matter how different we are otherwise.

4.) They are home to signings and other events

Outside of conventions and sometimes Target, bookstores are the #1 place to go to for book signings and fun, book related events. While I haven’t been to many of these myself, I know that if a great opportunity near me were to open up, exactly where it would be.

5.) Release parties

Now, in terms of events, I have been to a release party. Just recently, in fact. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay until midnight, but I had the opportunity to go to the Harry Potter & The Cursed Child Midnight Release at my local Barnes & Noble back in July. I went with several of my friends and we decked ourselves out in Harry Potter merch, drank Hogwarts house themed butterbeer, and drew on Harry Potter coloring sheets (what can I say, most of the event activities were geared towards children, and. . .well, I’m a big child).

harry potter release w megaman

Megaman may or may not have made an appearance.

6.) Cafe’s

Most bookstores have cafes. Cafes have coffee, tea, pastries, and free wifi. Why wouldn’t you want to go to the cafe?

B&N Cafe

7.) Calm atmosphere

Maybe it’s the books. Maybe it’s the people. Maybe it’s an unspoken agreement or a strange sort of magic. Bookstores are quiet and calm. There is a sort of untouched serenity about them that brings peace to the soul. Or at least to mine. You can sit down for hours with a good book or just perusing the aisles without being disturbed.

8.) They are full of creative, fun-loving people

Something else that I’ve noticed about bookstore staff is that they are usually a fun, creative bunch. They are very open minded to new genres and books, love to have fun, and are creative about their appearance. There’s never a dull moment when I talk to them and for years I’ve had a desire to work alongside them. Oh well. Maybe someday.

9.) Merch and gifts

Ahem, the best part is that when you put yourself of a book-buying ban and can no longer buy yourself anything, you can still go in there to buy gifts. And I do so. Liberally.

Whether it’s book merch, the gift section, or books themselves, bookstores offer a wide range of things that are perfect for your literary loving family and friends. Or, just if your family/friends really love Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. Lots. Of. Merch.

Why do you love your favorite bookstores? Let me know in the comments below!

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