Watch CBS News

Independent Bookstores Increase

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - One More Page in Arlington, Virginia; Novel Places in Clarksburg, Maryland and Politics and Prose in Washington, DC have much in common. They're independent bookstores.

With Borders closing, Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook, reading habits have changed and the American Booksellers Association, (ABA), an organization of independently owned bookstores, counts 1830 independent member stores, 400 more than in 2005.

Many owners have attended the ABA's week-long seminar for prospective bookstore owners, learning how to entice customers and finding that the stores that offered more than books do better financially.

Hiring college students at low costs, the small stores often become part of the community, where it's fun to "hang out with people you like," offering wine and chocolate works.

Neely Tucker's article in The Washington Post finds that many people who lost their jobs have become booksellers. For some, however, it's a dream come true.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.