A local author event at Gramercy Books in Bexley a few years ago included my book (second from far right) and many others. It was fun to meet other writers and people who attended the sale. (Credit: Gramercy Books)

By Ken Drenten

I think that printed books are important, even in a world that seems to favor online media. Books are portable, tactile and personal. They provide an effective way to communicate ideas, thoughts and information that is traditional and yet up to date.

And if you’re a bookworm, they provide hours of enjoyment, in following author series, discovering new books and reading them. For writers, independent bookstores can be a conduit for connecting with other authors. By the way, I am a member of the Kirkersville Writer’s Club, a local writer’s group that I joined at the invitation of a friend. The group has written an anthology of works called The Starving Writers of KWC.

__________________________________________________________________________

Dusty Tires now lists independent bookstores here.

__________________________________________________________________________

Independent bookstores provide places for people to buy, sell and trade used books and comic books, as well as a place for gatherings like book clubs, writing workshops, local author events and more. Many of them have free wi-fi, coffee and even beer and wine served.

I have been the grateful recipient of the services of several independently-owned bookstores that allowed me to promote and sell my self-published book, “Waterwheelin,’” a few years ago.

It was great to be able to actually talk to the owners of the stores and find out what their needs were and how they operated. Not only did their acceptance of my book give me confidence as an author, the events I attended through the bookstores actually sold some books. (Gramercy Books in Bexley has several copies of my out-of-print book available for sale.)

Bottom line, independent bookstores are small businesses that keep dollars in the community where people live and work. Dusty Tires now lists many independent bookstores in Ohio. Many of them are located in downtown sections of smaller cities where there are lots of other interesting places to explore. Start your search here.

Subscribe to Dusty Tires and receive a weekly email with the latest blog article. It’s free and ad-free!

Ken Drenten is creator and manager of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

Copyright 2023, Dusty Tires (dusty-tires.com)