From USA Today Sept. 26, 2025:
Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week, we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.
This week we have owner Olga S. Lijo Serans of Hearthside Books in Juneau, Alaska.
What’s your store’s story?
Hearthside Books, the longest-standing bookstore in Juneau, celebrated its 50th anniversary September 19 and moved to a brand new location on September 1.
Hearthside is a general bookstore with a strong selection of local authors, as well as books about Alaskan history, culture and Indigenous peoples. Since its inception, Hearthside has aimed and succeeded at being Juneau’s community bookstore.
“Some of our happiest moments are when we see the children that grew up coming to our store bringing in their own children,” Serans shares.
For the full article, click here.
Check out: USA TODAY’s Independent Bookstores Map
