In these days of national chains that repeat themselves on every corner, we would like to remind you that independent retail businesses are owned by your friends and neighbors who are vitally interested in the life and health of their communities.

When you shop with a locally-owned business you have an opportunity to broaden your acquaintance in the community as well as to ensure the economic and cultural health of the place where you have put down roots.

In the book industry, it is the varied demands from myriad independent booksellers and independent minded readers that make it possible for quirky or controversial books and first-time authors to get published.