I remember Washington Square News from my 20s hanging out in … Washington Square. Here they are preaching good book buying messages to the future of America: students, breakdance troupes, chess grifters, and that guy with the sign about Jesus and 9/11.

What stands out to readers in a neighborhood bookstore is the opportunity to discover a new read without algorithms or programming. Neighborhood bookstores like Mercer Street Books & Records offer a rare escape to solitude without enduring hours of travel to connect with yourself by leaving the city limits. To all the aspiring writers, bookstores give you a place to chat with other book enthusiasts about what they’re reading now and what you should be reading next.