The 21st Show

Best of: Independent Bookstores in Illinois

Produced by Christine Hatfield
 
Independent bookstores, such as The Artsy Bookworm, seem to be faring better than predicted, even in the age of giants like Amazon.

Independent bookstores, such as The Artsy Bookworm, seem to be faring better than predicted, even in the age of giants like Amazon. Photo via VisitQuadCities.com

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There are an estimated 2,500 independent bookstores across the U.S. According to the American Booksellers Association, more than 300 new indie bookstores have opened in the past two years, and some of those shops are right here in Illinois. 

Even in a pandemic-driven world, reports of the death of independent bookstores seem to be an exaggeration. The 21st spoke to three independent bookstore owners and the Program Coordinator for the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association to hear more.

This conversation originally aired Sept. 7, 2022.

Guests:

Melissa Peterson 
Program Coordinator, Midwest Independent Booksellers Association

Elizabeth Aspbury 
Owner, Bobzbay

Tamara Felden 
Owner, The Artsy Bookworm

Dave Pedersen
Owner, Maze Books

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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