The Hungry Artist Guide to Books: Supporting Small and Local
This post may contain affiliate links. I only talk about shit I really like and actually use. If you use these links to buy something, I *may* earn a small kickback. Thank you so much!
Books are pretty dang great
Books are a treasure and can provide knowledge, adventure, and escape. However you choose to read books, the important thing is to do what works best for your life, budget, and values.
I'm not here to tell you not to buy stuff from Amazon or judge your purchasing choices. I believe in spending your dollars where you want to make a difference. Purchasing books is a simple area for me to pick the local options. I'm not always perfect, but perfection isn't the goal.
In the world of reading, there are many ways to enjoy the magic of words and stories. The most popular are audiobooks, traditionally printed books, and ebooks! All of these offer unique experiences and are totally great. Your choice depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Some readers, myself included, enjoy a mix of both formats. Say it with me: there is no wrong way to read a book!
Whether you're a devoted audiobook listener, a physical book collector, or an ebook girlie, we can all embrace the diversity of reading options and celebrate the love of literature in all its forms. In this post, I'll share my favorite places to get books and how they focus on supporting small businesses.
1. Libro.fm Supporting an Independent Book Store of Your Choice
When I first started listening to audiobooks, I was searching for an alternative to the mainstream options. Then, I discovered Libro.fm! What drew me in immediately was their mission. For just $15 a month, you receive a credit for any audiobook in the catalog, which directly supports a local bookstore of your choice. PLUS every additional purchase you make on Libro.FM also supports your chosen bookstore.
I chose J. Anderson's Larchmont because Corinne Fisher's baseball card store is right around the corner. Larchmont is a cute little town just a few stops from the city on the MetroNorth and full of small businesses. After being a Libro.fm member for months, I made a trip to Larchmont to visit in person!
The platform offers a huge selection of frequently updated sale books, which makes finding deals so easy. I keep a wishlist and scan it occasionally to see if any titles are on sale. Another one of my favorite things to do is browse the sale page and buy anything under $4 that looks interesting.
Libro.fm has so many great options and allows you to actively support local bookstores without having to leave your house! You can use MY LINK to get a FREE credit when you sign up!
2. Bookshop.org: Empowering Independent Bookstores Online
Bookshop.org is another fantastic platform for online book shopping, and it's dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. When you purchase through Bookshop.org, a percentage of the sale goes directly to a pool distributed among their participating bookstores. You can also select a store you'd like to support directly!
Bookshop.org offers a wide range of titles, and you can explore various genres, authors, and highly curated lists from different users. It's a simple way to make a meaningful impact with your book-buying choices. They have fantastic affiliate programs with almost no barrier to entry. This allows creators of all sizes to make some extra money by sharing their favorite titles.
If you haven't shopped Bookshop.org before, I highly recommend it. THIS LINK takes you to my personal page.
3. Your Local Library: Rediscovering a True Gem
Many of us have fond childhood memories of the library; I know I certainly do! It's a place where our love for books often first blossomed. As adults, we sometimes overlook this invaluable resource. However, I encourage you to revisit your local library.
Libraries offer a wealth of books and other materials; you can even request specific titles to be delivered to a branch closer to your house. The library is both convenient and eco-friendly. Borrowing books can help you save money and be intentional about finishing them in a timely manner. You can also borrow audio and ebooks, making it accessible for all reading preferences.
The library has so many benefits, both for individuals and the community as a whole. It's a hub that provides free educational resources, support for literacy, free spaces for people to enjoy, and computers with internet access. By supporting your local library, you contribute to the overall well-being of your community.
Conclusion:
There are so many ways to get your hands on any book you could ever want. I choose to support local businesses whenever I can, and I've found Libro.fm, Bookshop.org, and my local library are excellent avenues for doing just that.
Remember, it's not about perfection but about making conscious choices that align with your values and budget. By shopping locally, you can savor the joy of reading while also making a positive impact on your community and the literary world. So, whether you're looking for audiobooks, physical copies, or ebooks, consider exploring these options and start your journey to support small and local businesses in the world of books.
