Buffalo Street Books is fueled by community in Ithaca, New York

Local, independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.

This week we have Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca, New York!

Buffalo Street Books stands not just as a bookstore but as a testament to the power of community collaboration. Opened in April 2011 as a cooperatively-owned bookstore, the endeavor saw hundreds of community members uniting to raise an impressive $250,000 to secure its future.

Since its beginning, Buffalo Street Books has been on a mission to redefine the role of an independent bookstore, going beyond the traditional model by serving and “loving its community through books.” As a cooperative business, “our primary purpose is not to create profit for one individual but to serve our members and customers. We do so by offering a welcoming environment, a diverse and eclectic selection, and programming that reaches every corner of our community,” manager Lisa Swayze shared.

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

Community outreach is a significant part of their mission, reaching out to local nonprofits, schools, and libraries to ensure that the bookstore becomes a vibrant hub for all. One such partnership that brings pride and joy to their hearts is with Ubuntu Library. Together, they strive to make literature accessible to all by providing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children facing reading challenges and those with limited access to books at home. “We work together to thoughtfully curate books that showcase moral character development, life sciences, food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, and human rights,” Swayze said.

Over the past three years, thousands of books have found their way into the hands of students in the community through this impactful collaboration. Buffalo Street Books is not merely a place to buy books; it's a living, breathing entity that thrives on the love and support of its community, working tirelessly to ensure that the magic of literature reaches as many of their neighbors as possible.

Check out these books Lisa Swayze highly recommends:

• "Endpapers" by Jennifer Savran-Kelly
• "How the Word is Passed" by Clint Smith
• "James" by Percival Everett, coming next March
• "Wandering Stars" by Tommy Orange, coming next March