Want to support a local bookstore, but don’t have one anywhere near you? Check out Malaprops in Asheville, North Carolina.
Many of you may know that I consider Asheville to be a second home – my extended family is from the city, and I’ve been traveling there ever since I was a newborn several times a year. So why Malaprops? Malaprops is one of my favorite places in downtown. Relaxed, with a good selection curated by excellent staff members, including ‘mystery reads’ that are wrapped in brown paper. I always enjoy finding different things there then I can find anywhere else.
They also own the nearby Downtown Books and News, which provides a heaping boatload of used books, but also maps, magazines, and other periodicals.
So why am I sharing this now? Well, with the current economic climate shuttering so many small businesses for the foreseeable future, if we want the local bookstores to survive, we have to purchase from them!
I’ve been ordering books for my cousins (who happen to live in the city) and using Malaprop’s $2 delivery within the city. But I’ve also been fortunate enough to keep my job. Not everyone can support their local book store in this manner. But if you can afford to, and want to, check out Indie Bound Local Bookstore Community or BookShop. Both places support different local bookstores. The best way to support a bookstore is to go through its own webpage.
If you don’t need more books(!?) you can also donate to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation. This organization is working closely with independent booksellers nationwide to support, uplift, and protect jobs and people during this challenging time.
So I guess what I’m saying is – if you can help out, help! If all you can do is post and share local bookstore links on social media, do it. Take care!
*Note – No payment/reward for this post, just me being happy with service & hard work*
Modern Papyrus 