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IndieBound Blog

Founder and Co-owner of The Islander Bookshop, Melissa Haffeman, holds a book and smiles.

The Islander Bookshop in Kodiak, Alaska, recently expanded from their initial 800 sq ft location into a 3,000 sq ft space in the brand new Kodiak Marketplace. I spoke to The Islander Bookshop’s founder and co-owner, Melissa Haffeman, to hear about the recent expansion and what it's like to own an independent bookstore on an Alaskan island.

Independent Bookstore Day, Saturday, April 27

In celebration of Independent Bookstore Day on April 27, independent bookstores have been sharing their plans, including special events, speakers, and bookshop crawls.

Words Unite: The Co-Op Built on Collaboration and Community

“Words Unite Bookstore was created with the everyday booklovers and indie-authors in mind,” said owner Ashley Marie Booker-Knight.

A blue and white sign hangs from a brick building.

Lion’s Tooth in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, isn’t just a bookstore — it’s a vital part of Milwaukee’s thriving art scene. 

A table covered with a black tablecloth with the More Than Words logo sits in front of a white bookcase.

More Than Words, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit bookstore, is dedicated to helping young adults take charge of their lives.

Loyalty Bookstore founder, Hannah Oliver Depp, holds a bookstore tote bag with a dog inside.

Loyalty Bookstore co-owners, Hannah Oliver Depp (she/they) and Christine Bollow (she/her), tell us about Loyalty’s origin, motivation, and plans for the future!