Brooklyn’s thriving literary community came together to celebrate the revival of independent bookstores across the borough. This resurgence has gained momentum in recent years, with local bookstores becoming central hubs for culture, conversation, and community-building. The event, held at Greenlight Bookstore in the heart of Fort Greene, featured panel discussions with authors, publishers, and community organizers, who discussed the importance of supporting independent bookstores in a world dominated by digital platforms.
Greenlight Bookstore, known for its curated selection of books and its commitment to hosting local author events, has been at the forefront of the movement. Owner Rebecca Fitting spoke at the event about the resurgence of interest in local bookstores, despite the dominance of online retailers. “There’s something special about the experience of browsing a bookstore—about the smell of paper, the feel of a physical book, and the chance to discover something unexpected,” Fitting explained. “People want to be part of a community, and independent bookstores offer that personal connection.”
The resurgence of local bookstores has also been spurred by growing consumer interest in supporting small businesses and sustainable practices. Many customers are seeking alternatives to the impersonal experience of shopping online, and the desire to support their local economies has led to a renewed appreciation for brick-and-mortar stores. This trend has led to a wave of new bookstore openings across Brooklyn, particularly in neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Park Slope, and Crown Heights.
One of the most notable examples of this growth is Book Culture, a bookstore located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that opened a new location in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Cobble Hill. Its expansion into the borough speaks to the larger trend of bookstores becoming community spaces, offering more than just books but also hosting events, author signings, and educational workshops. “Our goal is not just to sell books, but to create a space where people can connect with one another,” said Book Culture co-owner Rachel Smith. “People want to engage with authors and other readers in real life. That’s something you just can’t replicate online.”
The event also highlighted the increasing importance of bookstores as cultural institutions. Authors like Zadie Smith and Colson Whitehead, who have strong ties to Brooklyn, have long championed the work of independent bookstores. At the event, Brooklyn-based author and poet Sapphire shared her experiences of growing up in the borough and how independent bookstores shaped her writing journey. “The personal relationships I formed with local bookstore owners helped me believe that my voice mattered,” she said. “Independent bookstores are the backbone of this literary community.”
The Brooklyn bookstore revival has not been without challenges. Rising rent prices and the continued competition from online retailers remain significant hurdles. Yet, the ongoing community support and passion for locally-owned bookstores are helping them not just survive but thrive. The event concluded with a call to action for residents to continue supporting their local bookstores by attending events, buying books, and spreading the word. As one attendee noted, “We don’t just want to keep bookstores alive—we want to make sure they continue to grow and evolve with our community.”
