In an online world, indie bookstores build third spaces
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Events at Next Chapter Books. Photos: Courtesy of Sarah Williams and Next Chapter
For a shy, self-described "booktrovert" like Erin Cambron, bonding over reading is an easy way to break down barriers and connect with others.
Why it matters: Indie bookstores are seeing renewed growth across the country. Many see a giant chunk of that success as coming from the community gathering these shops facilitate in our increasingly isolated world.
- That's been the case for Ferndale's Love & Other Books, where co-owner Cambron sees book club attendees making friends.
State of play: Headlines have long forecasted the internet-induced death of third spaces — communal gathering spots unrelated to work or home.
- But check any indie bookstore's socials, and you'll find photos of smiling faces gathered around stacks of books.
- Shoppers who enter are encouraged to linger in comfortable seating, not just purchase and exit.
- Packed event lists are tailored to community feedback, ranging from traditional book clubs to junk journaling, garden seed swaps, record releases and even an alliance against political oppression.
What they're saying: "One of the reasons we opened a bookstore is because we were starved for community and we could see this was something other people were feeling as well, especially coming out of [the pandemic]," says Sarah Williams, co-owner of Next Chapter Books on the east side.
- "Folks tell us they're reading in a way they didn't use to, because they're excited to come and have a conversation with neighbors …"
Between the lines: These local shops are often designed around giving customers opportunities to linger, learn and make friends — not just shop and exit.
- That includes comfortable seating, pop-ups and most centrally, events tailored to community interests and feedback.
By the numbers: Though high costs mean challenges for all small businesses, the number of independent bookstores nationwide jumped by nearly 70% in the past five years, per the American Booksellers Association (ABA) via Fast Company.
- In 2025, 422 new stores opened.
- Nearly three-fourths of booksellers saw sales rise between 2024 and last year, ABA found in its most recent member survey.
What's next: There's no time the bookstore resurgence is more evident than during Independent Bookstore Day, which the ABA says drew record interest last year.
- The holiday is coming up Saturday, April 26 — so expect activities, events and deals at Metro Detroit stores.
Go deeper: Find more community events at locally owned stores like 27th Letter Books in southwest Detroit, Source Booksellers in Midtown and Coreander's Children's Bookshoppe in Grosse Pointe Park.