Costco and Your Local Bookstore

Costco recently announced it would stop selling books year round. I learned this news in my remaining small corner of social media, Bluesky, from an already-viral post from a famous writer encouraging people not to worry; we can just “support your local bookstore” followed by lots of fist bump replies.

On its face, “support your local bookstore” is an anodyne, good suggestion. Small businesses are worthy supporting, local bookstores better understand the publishing ecosphere and support small presses, Amazon has imperiled indie bookstores, etc. But seen from another perspective, the assumption embedded in “your local bookstore!” reveals a regrettable, and, dare I say, politically problematic, ignorance.

Look at this map of independent bookstores in the United States (it may not be the most current; indie bookstores are seeing a boomlet of late. Cincinnati had about¹ one two years ago, and has about eight² now).

Now look at the blank spaces.

There are millions (and millions) of America…