Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have Pressed in Erie, Pennsylvania!

What’s your store’s story?

Founded in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2018, our goal is to encourage others to step away from their device and enjoy the feel, smell, and look of a book, paired with a comforting coffee. We love it when customers take their time checking out what’s new (or old!), and have a lovely time reconnecting with their senses as they explore the books and gifts in our shop.

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

Customers love the vibe in our store. It’s modern and upbeat, but with good old-fashioned books in the spotlight! They’re encouraged to take their coffee or warm drink (from our full-service coffee shop) and explore. 

We’re known for a curated but wide variety of reading genres, along with fun literary gifts (staff take real pleasure in hearing customers laugh out loud as they peruse the store), as well as our large kids’ area, with our famous reading tree. We’re proud to do our part to make Erie a vibrant and interesting city, something more than just a cluster of big-box stores.

What’s your favorite section in your store?

My favorite section is the front, where all the best displays are and where we greet our customers. But a close second is the kids’ room — the reading tree and the moss-covered cobblestone look of the carpet are so inviting!

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?

People vote for what they want in their community with their dollars. If they like having indie bookstores in their town, they simply must spend money there. Spending money elsewhere is exactly like submitting a vote for the indie to close. As long as people understand what they’re doing when they choose not to shop local, I have no problem with it. But if people want that local shop to stay, because it adds value and personality to their town and because they enjoy shopping there, they have to be okay with spending a few extra dollars on a book there. That’s the bottom line. 

Check out these books recommended from Pressed owner, Tracey Bowes:

• “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” by Therese Anne Fowler. It’s a page turner, well-written, entertaining and informative, and often hasn’t yet been read. 
• “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
• “The Fury” by Alex Michaelides