Some sound book-buying advice from io9

Yes, San Antonio does have at least one independent bookstore.

Yes, San Antonio does have at least one independent bookstore.

This piece from io9 seemed especially relevant, what with Borders deciding to shutter its South San Antonio Waldenbooks location — the only bookstore on the economically disadvantaged Southside.

Sure, online sales have decimated the brick-and-mortar bookstores, especially the independents, but io9’s Charlie Jane Anders  argues that it’s not too late for readers to use their dollars to help the indies. If the giant chains aren’t stocking the books you crave, she writes, don’t turn to Amazon, turn to your local independent.

I would even go a step further. If your independent store doesn’t stock the book, ask them to special order it for you. Ultimately, that $20 sale is going to mean way more to them than it will ever mean to Amazon. You might have to wait a few extra days to get your mitts on it, but you’ll pass the time gloating that you did the right thing.