"Working at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, with a broader view of small businesses and their importance, I realize just how much of a leader bookstores are in this movement. A lot of these discussions started at bookstores because we were Amazon's first victims.
"They started by selling books, so we've known about their threat for the longest. A lot of other people have come under the tent, which is good, but I think bookstores are leaders in getting out the message of the importance of small business to communities.
"Not only did we survive Amazon, but we managed to basically start a campaign and be a crucial voice in the Buy Local movement. It's a testament to the creativity and persistence of booksellers.... Bookselling is a minefield of challenges, so it's just so much more amazing that people are doing such great work."