10 Lovable Things About Brick-And-Mortar Bookstores

Ordering online or downloading through your e-reader may be convenient, but nothing compares to the magic of a real bookstore.

1. The sense of community

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Yeah, you can shop online, but online retailers aren't a crucial part of your local community and probably don't remember that the last time you were in you bought like, five paranormal romance novels. (No judgment.)

2. Staff picks!

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How else would you find out what John S. was reading this week? He loves magical realism too!

3. Author events

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Get your fangirl (or fanboy) on!

4. The cafe

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That crisp bookstore air DEFINITELY affects how the espresso comes out. Just sayin'.

5. The luxury of browsing

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Nothing better than holding a book in your hands, flipping through it, and getting a whiff of that amazing book smell.

6. Discoverability

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It's possible that you haven't even heard of your next favorite book.

7. Helpful staff

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"I'm looking for something that's a little Fay Weldon or P.G. Wodehouse, but maybe with some steampunk influences. You have something in mind? Oh, really?" (These people are amazing.)

8. The nerdy stuff that ISN'T books

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Where else can you find witty and urbane literary greeting cards? Book cover tee shirts? Tote bags galore?

9. They are the best places to spend time

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You can leisurely browse to your heart's content, find your next literary love, and never have to worry about getting hurried out.

10. That bookstore vibe

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Bookstores are the perfect mix of highbrow and entertaining, elegant and geeky, thrilling and comforting. I defy you to find a better retail experience.