PHILADELPHIA − Since its establishment in 1973, Giovanni’s Room has been a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia and even nationwide.

However, the bookstore faced uncertain times in 2014.

With competition from major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the shop located in Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood” struggled financially, much like many independent bookstores across the country amid changing shopping habits.

Fast forward to today, Philly AIDS Thrift @Giovanni’s Room is thriving as part of a larger resurgence of small bookstores in the U.S. These indie shops have taken on new roles, becoming vital parts of their communities and reflecting the diverse populations they serve.

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve experienced remarkable growth,” stated Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association. “This has been a delightful surprise for both us at the ABA and for bookstores and their communities.”

The ABA, founded in 1900, now represents over 2,500 independent bookstores, seeing an 11% increase in membership in 2023 with the opening of 291 new stores, which included 230 brick-and-mortar, 34 pop-up, 18 online, and nine mobile stores.

Among these newcomers, Hill highlighted that 58 of them are owned by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.

“We’re witnessing greater diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and identities among bookstore owners, along with innovative store formats,” Hill added. “These are all indicators of a vibrant community.”

Community-Driven Bookstores

Back in 2014, Ed Hermance, then-owner of Giovanni’s Room, contemplated selling the business but sought a buyer who honored its legacy and offered a sustainable future, rather than just the highest bid.

“The imminent closure became a nationwide news story,” said Christopher Cirillo, the current manager of Philly AIDS Thrift @Giovanni’s Room. “The thought of losing this store upset the entire LGBTQ community in Philadelphia and beyond.”

When the store moved to its current location, Cirillo remarked that “the LGBTQ+ community didn’t just provide support, they actively helped build it,” working to renovate the previous antiques shop by assembling bookshelves and preparing the retail space.

To finance the purchase of the building in 1979, Hermance and co-owner Arleen Olshan turned to the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia for loans. When Hermance sold the store to Philly AIDS Thrift, he even extended the loan himself, stating: “We don’t make mortgage payments to a bank; they go directly to Ed.”

North of Giovanni’s Room, in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, Jeannine Cook has found stability for Harriett’s Bookshop, named after Harriet Tubman, after initially fearing she might need to move.

Currently in Paris for an extended visit as she opens a third pop-up location (Ida’s Bookshop, named for journalist and activist Ida B. Wells, is situated in Collingswood, New Jersey), Cook sought assistance from her community to purchase the building housing Harriett’s.

A successful GoFundMe campaign raised $200,000, reported the Philadelphia Inquirer, which was sufficient for her to secure a down payment on the property. The advice to lean on her supporters came from an unexpected mentor: renowned poet Sonia Sanchez, who reached out to Cook soon after Harriett’s opening.

“Sonia told me, ‘You belong to a rich literary tradition, so don’t attempt to navigate this journey alone,'” Cook recalled.

Cook expressed that reaching out for assistance “wasn’t just begging.” She has welcomed writers and activists, including Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator of the 1619 Project, for discussions and readings. “The goal is to collaborate. Contributions come from those who have benefited from our efforts and wish to see us permanently contribute to the community.”

Cook highlighted the contrast between tech startups garnering millions from investors and politicians continuously raising funds for campaigns. She questioned why small business owners shouldn’t ask for assistance when they play a significant role in their communities.

Bookstores fostering community connections

Cook’s Paris pop-up shop, Josephine’s, named after the singer and activist Josephine Baker, continues the tradition of honoring impactful Black women who have influenced culture and society—a cause Cook believes books can also promote.

“Bringing communities together has been crucial for us,” she stated. “Purchasing a book is one thing, but knowing that your purchase supports a cause is another. We engage with youth, offer job opportunities, and host authors not only for book sales but to address existing gaps: What needs can we fulfill?”

Located in Portland, Powell’s Books has been a beloved part of the city’s unique culture for over five decades. Its main store downtown features color-coded sections to assist customers in finding their preferred genres, which marketing director Jeremy Solly likens to “an M.C. Escher painting.”

The bookstore spans multiple interconnected buildings, reflecting the diversity of literature that exists, according to Solly. “This layout symbolizes the multitude of stories and writing styles available, making space for a wide range of books.”

He noted that Portland boasts a vibrant independent bookstore community, with over 50 shops taking part in Independent Bookstore Day in April. Many staff members have dedicated decades to Powell’s.

“People view bookstores like Powell’s as institutions in which they believe,” said Solly. “During the pandemic, there was a significant demonstration of support as people recognized the importance of small businesses in their neighborhoods. The concept of bookstores as communal hubs is central to our business approach.”

Cirillo noted that Giovanni’s Room has long served as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals. During the early, harrowing days of the AIDS crisis, the bookstore provided vital information about a disease that was often ignored outside of the LGBTQ+ community. Now operating as a nonprofit, all profits go to Philly AIDS Thrift, which continues advocacy and support efforts.

Cirillo emphasized the importance of visibility for the LGBTQ+ community: “For a long time, our culture existed in the shadows, hidden from view behind closed doors and dimly lit bars. There was little to no public expression of gay life, and our founders aimed to change that. They designed the store with large windows displaying books and flags to signal that everyone is welcome here.”

Jeannine Cook, who owns Harriett’s, Ida’s, and Josephine’s, acknowledges the vital role books have played in empowering historically marginalized communities.

Historically, enslaved Black individuals were often forbidden from learning to read for a specific reason: “Reading is tied to freedom. It’s about the power of thought. Frederick Douglass famously exchanged bread for books. We must remember the immense value of books, regardless of how accessible they may seem. In times of societal change, the first things targeted are books and information because they represent power.”

“From the very beginning, stories have been an integral part of human culture,” she remarked. “If you examine the carvings in ancient caves, you’ll find they convey stories. Stories help us understand our surroundings and that will remain constant. They teach us compassion and can take you anywhere your imagination leads.”