Hundreds of Independent Bookstores Open Across U.S. Since 2020
New bookstores keep popping up across the country since 2020. The pattern began when COVID-19 lockdowns gave people more time to snuggle up with good books.
“It came down to a couple of things in the last quarter… One was PPP money from the government… And then the other thing was a complete resurgence of local support,” said Allison Hill, ABA CEO, to Publishers Weekly.
Tampa Bay shows this same growth with new shops opening their doors. Black English Bookstore houses 3,200 works by Black writers. “Everyone’s free to read here,” said Gwendolyn Henderson to Tampa Bay Times.
The Book Rescuers moved to a bigger indoor space in Largo. “There currently isn’t a space like this in our community. There will be a stage where authors can do live readings and where musicians can perform. We are blessed to be the hosts of this important mission, and grateful to have a location that we can tailor to the needs of the community that has pushed us to be able to do so,” said George and Sarah Brooks to St. Pete Rising. Their new location is four times bigger than before. Books sell for just $1 to $3, with comfy reading spots set up like home libraries where people can lose themselves in stories.
Steamy Lit jumped into the scene, bringing romance books by BIPOC and queer writers to excited readers. The selection covers tons of romance subgenres.
