My favorite bookstore on the SF Peninsula just closed shortly after celebrating its 50th anniversary. And I am sad! Never mind I haven’t lived there in three years. Kepler’s had an amazing selection and great service and I have wonderful memories of browsing the stacks, listening to authors read their work and just hanging out before/after meeting up with friends at Cafe Borrone next door. It’s a loss to the community and will most certainly impact the cafe, another family run business.

This latest example of chain stores and Internet retailers driving independent stores out of business underscores the importance of the work my friends Erin and Annie are doing. With their website they provide independently owned businesses with a web presence helping them market their products. Keep checking their site, soon you’ll be able to buy products from Oakland artists and stores online.

If you want to avoid the uniformity of national booksellers and are looking for a local store with character, BookSense.com is your best bet in finding one in your neighborhood. My favorites in the Boston area are Harvard Bookstore in Harvard Square, Lorem Ipsum, a used bookstore in Inman Square, Trident Booksellers in Back Bay and Booksmith in Coolidge Corner.