Independent bookstores are Grayson  Prestonthe 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 Blacksburg Books in Blacksburg, Virginia!

Blacksburg Books manager, Ellen Woodall, said the owner had always wanted to open a bookstore.

“She became close friends with an elderly neighbor during the pandemic,” said Woodall. “When the neighbor passed away she left the owner her vast collection of books — and we decided it was a sign to open Blacksburg Books.”

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Blacksburg Books opened in 2021, in a town that hadn’t had a general interest bookstore in ages. The community was thrilled, and Blacksburg Books was met with an outpouring of support.

In turn, Blacksburb Books has made supporting other local businesses part of its mission.

“Running with the idea of ‘money spent local stays local,’ we regularly advertise the restaurants, shops, and services that we patronize in an effort to keep Blacksburg [VA] thriving,” explained Woodall.

Aside from encouraging people to shop at local businesses, Blacksburg Books also partners with local creators.

“There are so many talented people making beautiful things — pottery, art, jewelry, chocolates — that don't have their own storefront,” said Woodall. “We carry those things so that customers can discover beautiful things that they won't find anywhere else."

They also host regular events to bring the community together, like their Open Mic Poetry Night. Every fourth Friday, poets and listeners from Blacksburg (and surrounding towns!) come together to share their latest pieces.

“We actively work to make our community a more compassionate and knowledgeable place,” said Woodall, “we're working in service of the soul of the town.”

Check out these titles recommended by Blacksburg manager, Ellen Woodall:

• "The Employees" by Olga Ravn
• "My Name Is Iris" by Brando Skyhorse
• "Say Hello to My Little Friend" by Jennine Capó Crucet