This week I’m doing it a little differently.
Tomorrow, April 26th, is Indie Bookstore Day and there are SO MANY AMAZING indie bookstores in Rochester. So many in fact, that you really don’t need to shop on Amazon. So, in honor of Indie Bookstore Day I’m going to share some of the bookshops you can support in the Rochester area. This is not a full list and I have not gone to all of these stores… I’m working on it okay.
One more thing; for those of you who are audiobook readers there’s a site, libro.fm that allows you to support your local bookstore with each audiobook you purchase.
- Lift Bridge Book Shop- 45 Main St., Brockport, NY www.liftbridgebooks.com
This bookstore has a floor dedicated to new books AND one dedicated to used books. The children’s section is amazing and they have a large variety of educational games and STEM/STEAM kits. The owners grew up in Brockport and didn’t want to see the store close so they bought it - don’t you just love that kind of story?
- Burn Bright Books - 269 Park Ave, 1st floor, Rochester, NY https://burnbrightbooks.com
The owner, Shauna, literally just opened this bookstore. It is dedicated to romance books and is one of only like 9 such shops in the country. One thing I love about this bookstore is that she stocks items from many local makers and authors. There’s something for every romance reader here!
- Hipocampo Children’s Books - 638 South Ave, Rochester, NY https://hipocampochildrensbooks.com
Okay, I have not been to this one, but I desperately want to go. I’m just a little concerned about how much I’ll spend. In addition to books, they offer clothing, games and activities, classes, children’s programs, and even adult books. My son and I would probably spend hours in here.
- Another Chapter Bookstore - 25 Liftbridge Ln, Fairport, NY www.anotherchapterbookstorefairport.com
Another Chapter has adult and children’s books as well as gift items. One of my favorite things about this store is their loyalty program because they let you donate your rewards to classroom teachers. As a former teacher, I know how much they spend on books for the classroom so any donations go a long way and are greatly appreciated!
- Bookeater - 836 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY www.bookeaterbooks.com
Is it a bookstore? Is it a cafe? Yes! Downstairs is a cafe where you can get hot drinks, baked goods, and sandwiches. Upstairs is the bookstore. This is another shop I haven’t been to, YET. It sounds like the perfect place to get a coffee, a snacky-snack, and read your new book in a cozy nook- oh yes, they have nooks. I mean really, what could be better?!
There are so many more than these 5, but we’re going to stop there. I hope you will check these, and other local indie bookshops, out the next time you’re looking for a new book. Remember, Jeff Bezos DOES NOT need anymore money, but your local indie bookstore does!