obviously the library for books. but your local library might not publicize what services it has for ebooks and audiobooks that much. many subscribe to services like Overdrive, which has an app called Libby that is incredibly easy to use. if your library system uses it, you just log in with your library login, and can check out ebooks and audiobooks. in the US you can read the ebooks on your Kindle as well. Some books from your library may not show up in Overdrive, so also check what other services they use, like Hoopla, or CloudLibrary, or a number of other apps. They’re all fairly easy to use!

if you want to buy books and support your local independent bookstore, many people have pointed to Indiebound, but that’s mostly just a directory. My favorite site is called Bookshop. Many indie bookstores have Bookshop storefronts, where basically you use their affiliate link and can buy anything on Bookshop and the profits will all go to that bookstore. You can even buy eBooks, which are delivered via the MyMustReads app, and audiobooks, which are delivered through LibroFM. If you just use Bookshop’s regular site and not an affiliate link, the proceeds will be split between many independent bookstores. You’ll know you’re supporting your bookstore because the logo for your store is at the top of your shopping experience the whole time. 

If you need books shipped internationally/non-U.S.A., try BetterWorldBooks. They’re a great alternative to Book Depository (owned by Amazon). They have tons of used options, sales, new, paperback, hardback, and free shipping in almost every country. Plus they donate books to people in need, and offset their carbon emissions.

If you like to purchase rarer books, try Biblio. They’re a great alternative to AbeBooks (owned by Amazon), and share many of the same independent sellers, so you can find many of the same rare books without supporting amazon.

GoodReads is owned by Amazon, but if you want to track your reading and get recommendations for new things to read AND give half and quarter stars, try the Storygraph, a newly developed site with a much better interface.

You shouldn’t bother with Audible because you can get most of those books for free on Libby from the library anyway, and it’s owned by Amazon. But did you know if you’d like to purchase an audiobook, you can do so from an independent bookstore? Check out Libro.fm. They even have a subscription service just like Audible, and it’s the exact same price.

I’ll reblog with more as I find them but if people know some good ones get in there! As a general rule, before you buy anything, do a quick google of “Does Amazon own X”. Even the BIGGEST companies, you’d be surprised. (Like my mom not knowing about Zappos, or people in publishing not knowing about Book Directory).

Kristen McMenamy for W Magazine