The United States tried presidents who were smart, decent, and capable of empathy, but decided it wasn’t for them. It just didn’t reflect them.

This essay traces the long and turbulent history of American booksellers who have faced censorship, harassment, and even violence for defending the freedom to read. Through vivid anecdotes and historical cases-from undercover stings in the early 1900s and legal battles over “obscene” literature, to FBI surveillance of Black bookstores and bomb threats against feminist and LGBTQ+ shops-the author illustrates how bookstores have repeatedly become battlegrounds in the fight for civil liberties and free expression. Despite intimidation from both government and private groups, booksellers have pushed back, shaping legal precedents and rallying communities to defend First Amendment rights. The essay ultimately calls on readers to recognize bookstores as “arsenals of democracy” and to support their ongoing role in safeguarding intellectual freedom.

Booksellers have faced censorship and harassment defending the freedom to read. Celebrate your local bookstore and support their ongoing role in safeguarding intellectual freedom.

press.princeton.edu/ideas/bookst...

#BookstoreDay

This is so Canadian. Body Break doing a special elbows up get out to vote segment.

Cartoon by @deadder.bsky.social.

💯 this!!!

So fucked up that even introverts are here

Sign of the day…

Need a break from the news. Heading out to shop small and local. The dog is not impressed.

This Pickle Gouda is really good.

Someone came by for a swim.

Space food is so yummy. #Rontowrap

Some shrimp tacos before Fantasmic!

Love a quiet morning at DCA!

Nice brunch at Lamplight Lounge!

The dog backed the wrong team this year.