Library or Indie Bookstore?

The library’s purpose is different from that of bookstores

And it always has been. Public libraries are set up so that anyone who wants to can give himself or herself a free university education. This has been the case since the Boston Public Library opened its doors in 1848. Yes, the library offers more than this, and its purpose is not solely to educate. I would argue, however, that this is its most important purpose, and this opportunity is available to every citizen who wants it.

The purpose of bookstores is to make profit by selling books, CDs, DVDs, coffee, etc. True, bookstores sell some educational books along with escapist fare and entertainment, but their wares are available only to those who can afford to pay for them.

Libraries are public institutions; bookstores are private institutions

This is self-explanatory. Implicit in the question of why libraries can’t be more like bookstores is the attitude that bookstores make money while libraries cost money. I’ve heard quite a bit of fearful statements that the public is at best, apathetic toward libraries and at worst, hostile toward us. I can’t say I have all the answers to address this issue, but I think that changing our goals, purposes, and mission (or altering it beyond recognition), is certainly not the answer.

The mission of libraries is different from that of bookstores

Foremost in the American Library Association’s mission, priority areas, and goals are intellectual freedom, access to all, and public awareness. The ALA is the only major public organization that is at the forefront of fighting the Patriot Act. The ALA has continuously and inexhaustibly fought book banning and censorship. And the ALA often steps outside library issues, joining with and supporting other organizations regarding social justice and responsibility:

Services that bookstores provide (and libraries do too)

• Reading Groups

• Employee Favorite Picks

• Displays

• Booklists

• Story time

• Space for meetings and studying

A library’s purpose is unique and honorable, and this directly affects the unique and honorable service they provide. Indie bookstores are unique and no two are the same. Some offer a plethora of genres, others offer a limited selection. So whether you prefer your local library, indie bookstore or both - we believe it's better to support either or both of them than supporting the big box book sellers.  

Do you have a preference between owning and borrowing? I would love to hear your thoughts.