November is a month that never fails to remind me to be grateful. Thanksgiving is probably one of my favorite holidays because of the appreciative spirit at the heart of it. (But I don’t mind eating tasty stuffing and delicious pumpkin pie either!)
Another important date in November happens on Small Business Saturday. Have you heard of this special day? This movement started in 2010, and it happens every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a great opportunity for people to support small businesses and invest in their local communities.
I always associate Small Business Saturday with wonderful indie bookstores. When my young adult novel, Dragonfly Dreams, came out, one of my first events was at Petunia’s Place in Fresno. It’s a beautiful shop filled with reading material for the young (and young at heart). I even had the chance to connect to a few local authors while there.
I love how independent bookstores have their own special vibe. I recently visited Village Well Books in Culver City, and they have a cozy café that serves massive cups of tea. All the patrons appeared to be happily browsing the shelves or relaxing with a cuppa. I also give the store bonus points for the decorative ravens circling the ceiling.
November 26, 2022 marks the next Small Business Saturday, when I’ll be at another bookshop, Flintridge Bookstore. The shop will be putting on a special event, which will showcase authors and local artisans. Find out more about the event through this link.
I have friends who live in the area, so I’ve definitely asked them to join me and check out their local bookshop. Flintridge Bookstore has a fascinating history; it opened in 2007 and offers books, toys, stationery and even core literature for the La Cañada Unified School District. It also has access to an Espresso Book Machine (EBM) for authors interested in self-publishing services.
Hurrah for these amazing indie bookstores! What local businesses do you love to frequent?
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