Why we love Bookish, a bookstore located inside a 100-year-old bakery in Arkansas
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Local, independent bookstores have never been more important than they are right now. With free and fair access to literature under political attack, independent bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.
Of course, they do so much more than sell books. Independent bookstores are a community connector, hosting events, clubs and social events that keep local citizens engaged and informed. A local bookstore is also a great place to make friends.
Each week we'll be profiling an independent bookstore in the U.S., discovering what makes each one special and getting expert book recommendations from booksellers plugged into the pulse of their local readership. Up this week is Bookish in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
What makes your independent bookshop unique?
Bookish is a small bookshop with a highly curated selection and a focus on building spaces for folks to gather and discuss books. The store works with community members and partners to create programming for all ages and genres. Bookish is located in a 100-year-old bakery, which is a really fun part of Fort Smith history. Up until the 1990s, Holsum Bread made bread that went out all over the region. The building was purchased and renovated in the late 2010s by a local family who had a vision for the revitalization of downtown Fort Smith. Thankfully, creating a literary culture was part of that vision. In March, Bookish moved into its shiny new space that used to be the day-old bread store when the bakery was still in business. The folks at Bookish like to think the books they sell are figurative food for the community.
Since the founders were educators, helping teachers is one of the store's key outreach programs. Bookish works with corporate and private sponsors to award educators in the area a curated classroom library each year. It’s an opportunity for teachers to purchase books that reflect the students in their classroom and the topics they are interested in. Fort Smith has a diverse population, and it’s important that children have the opportunity to see themselves in the books they read.
Ultimately, just like every independent bookstore, Bookish is a reflection of its community. Its employees work to stand up for what is right, to help every member of our community find representation and to spread the joy of reading.
What's are some books you can't keep on the shelves?
“Horse,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks, a history-spanning novel based on the true story of a record-breaking thoroughbred, has universal appeal and so many fun threads woven throughout.
“How Far The Light Reaches," by Sabrina Imbler, uses scientific expertise and something that feels like poetry to candidly discuss what it means to come to grips with our bodies.
"How Far The Light Reaches" at Bookshop for $25
What's a book that deserves more hype?
“Ozark Dogs,” by Eli Cranor, a local boy who has a great sense of the people in Arkansas and can write stories that keep you turning the page.
Belle Point Publishing also deserves highlighting. The local press hit the ground running last year, and this husband/wife super team has already published an anthology that illuminates what it means to live in the MidSouth as well as several poetry books and chapbooks, and they hold virtual and in-person workshops and readings weekly. Belle Point strives to showcase what it means to be somewhere between Southern and Midwestern, and they do it with some of the best writers this region has.
"Ozark Dogs" at Bookshop for $25
More Eli Cranor: 'Don't Know Tough' unmasks the violent hypocrisy of American football culture
What books are you most excited about coming out in the next few months?
David Joy's new book “Those We Thought We Knew" (out Aug. 1) touches on what it’s like to live in a conservative small town and the intricacies of navigating racial tensions, politics and religion. It’s definitely a relatable book for the area, and Joy is one of the best contemporary Southern writers working now.
"Those We Though We Knew" at Bookshop for $26
Pedro Martin also has some Fort Smith connections. His new graphic memoir, “Mexikid” (out Aug. 1), will be exciting to share with young readers.
Why should customers shop local/indie?
When folks shop at a local business in Fort Smith, they can feel good knowing their money is going right back into the community. Fort Smith is one of the larger cities in Arkansas, but the small-business community is tight-knit and works hard to help make Fort Smith a nice place to live. There is history, art and so much beauty here. We think our people should invest in the area as much as possible so that we can continue to see the growth and progress we’ve experienced in the last decade. There’s a lot to be excited about and keeping dollars in the area helps friends, neighbors, and our futures. Not to mention, our small businesses are so cool and unique. It’s a tapestry of lifelong dreams and passions coming to fruition.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bookish in Arkansas: Why we love the bakery turned bookstore
