Independent bookstores are the 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 Words Unite Bookstore in Killeen, Texas.
Words Unite firmly believes that words have the power to unite us all, and all their programs and partnership are created with this belief in mind.
Check out: USA TODAY's Independent Bookstores Map
Although Words Unite has two store locations, they’re not waiting for customers to find them: They also operate a book vending machine and two bookmobiles. As a primarily traveling bookstore, they are constantly out in the community, making connections and bringing books to anyone who wants them.
But they’re not just bringing any books to their community. Words Unite only carries titles written by indie authors.
Words Unite owner, Ashley Marie Booker-Knight, is a veteran and her first brick-and-mortar location was located on the military installation, Fort Cavazos. But her time in the service remains important to her and remains a theme in her store today.
Booker-Knight says her favorite section in the store remains the military stories section, where she’s able to highlight the true stories of the nation’s heroes.
To further the store’s mission, Words Unite recently launched a nonprofit arm called Books for a Cause. Designed to get books into even more hands, Books for a Cause works to donate books wherever they’re needed. By doing so, they hope to help close the gap in literacy access.
"Knowledge is power and we cannot wipe away that power with technology," said Booker-Knight. "Reading expands minds. Everyone has a story, and more people need to read those stories. Local bookstores help you slow the world down and move beyond the challenges.”
"Our Pledge, Our Promise" by Sheri Wall
"21 Days of Positive Speaking" by Ashley Knight
"Camouflaged Sisters" book series