Many Moscow residents know they can rely on Book People of Moscow to always offer a warm, friendly atmosphere. Hidden amongst stacks of books are oversized beanbag chairs and a community chalkboard.
For co-owner Carol Spurling, bookstores are a staple of any community. Spurling said they make downtowns more special.
“We have events, author events, story time, a lot of stuff that”s more than just selling books,” she said.
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Patrons shop at BookPeople of Moscow, an indie bookstore in downtown Moscow.
Spurling, who said she has had a passion for books her whole life, feels lucky that she”s now the owner of the store. For her, the Book People of Moscow is a place for people to come and feel safe, she said.
It”s these benefits of bookstores that made her want to participate Indie Bookstore Day, which celebrates independent bookstores around the country.
Spurling said it began in California.
“The American Booksellers Organization was wondering if they wanted to expand it nationwide,” she said. “And we were like, “Yes!””
This is only the second year that Indie Bookstore Day has been a nationwide event. Spurling said it involves a lot of special products.
BookPeople will be putting out signed books, artwork, and other special products to celebrate the day. She said they will also put on a raffle.
Spurling said Indie Bookstore Day is a good way to celebrate independent bookstores, since they are on the decline.
“The ones that are still around have survived a lot of hits,” she said. “There”s a lot of competition online and it”s not easy to stay in business.”
Viva Stowell, owner of Palouse Books in downtown Moscow, begs to differ.
“I don”t think there is a threat to bookstores nowadays,” she said. “There”s always been bookstores.”
She said that at the end of the day the thing that keeps bookstores alive are the people.
“That”s really what bookstores are about, people knowing the books,” said Stowell.
Regardless of their differing opinions, Stowell agreed with Spurling that bookstores are essential for the community.
“It”s sharing knowledge and information,” she said, “It”s a good way to start learning about something.”
Though Indie Bookstore Day isn”t too different than any other day of the year, Spurling said it means a lot to local owners.
“I”m so excited that there”s a special day just for Indie Bookstores,” said Spurling with a laugh.
Bookpeople will have events going on 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The events are free and open to the public.
Carly Scott can be reached at [email protected]