Buffalo: The City of Good Readers

The city of Buffalo has a new moniker on the horizon: The City of Good Readers. Inspired by the annual Indie Bookstore Day, the new name is fitting, with a slew of libraries and bookstores across the county. Perhaps no one knows this better than local Kelsey Jeff, who’s made it her mission to explore all the literary nooks and crannies the area has to offer.

“I wasn’t really a reader growing up,” Kelsey admits, though with the onset of the pandemic she found herself with a lot of free time on her hands and started picking up books to fill it. Now, she reads 50-70 books in a year. “Books are grounding and a form of escapism. They’re a chance to go explore, to take a trip, or to learn new things without getting a degree.”

Although she didn’t grow up frequenting libraries, she’s come to cherish what she and her husband, Aaron, deem bookish dates: Saturday afternoons spent perusing different libraries and bookstores to fill out their “bingo” card of sorts. Together, the two share a notes app, in which they’ll rank each place from 1-5 stars and include commentary on various aspects including kids’ sections, architecture, layout, and any clubs, classes, or special amenities, to name a few.

“Libraries are more than just places to borrow books—they’re vital community centers,” Kelsey says. Librarians wear many hats, from guiding visitors to teaching and hosting community events to managing puzzles and activities that foster a sense of belonging. “The beautiful thing about libraries is their inclusivity. It doesn’t matter who you are or your economic status. There are so many things we take for granted.”

So far, they’ve visited ten libraries in Buffalo and Erie County, with the Julia Boyer Reinstein Library in Cheektowaga being her top pick. There’s a fun kids section, the layout has a stunning visual appeal, and it hosts a number of creative librarian ideas and uplifting community aspects.

To coincide with libraries, venturing out to local bookstores also serves as a means of getting out in the community. These stores, with their unique personal touches and sense of life, are welcoming invitations to readers of all ages and walks.

You really get the personalities of the owners and staff in the layout and how they decorate all the way to how they choose their lighting.

Rust Belt Books on Grant Street is one of their favorites, with a set up they adore and a friendly feline resident Aaron has taken a shine to. Kelsey admits that she’s been in a few times already and can never get out in under an hour, as there is so much to see and experience, from the music to the calming atmosphere, to the plethora of books. With used books covering a range of genres, all visitors can leave with a delightful new read while supporting local, “economical, sustainable, and keep[ing] mass marketing at bay!”

On the beautiful stretch of Elmwood Avenue, Talking Leaves…Books is another favorite of the Jeffs. Once again, the personality of the owner and employees shines through, especially with updated staff picks. And don’t miss their monthly events, including book launches and signings.

Black Rock Books on Hamilton Street has been a major highlight in their “bingo,” with its indie book clubs, lighting, and moody atmosphere. Another pick, Fitz Books & Waffles on Ellicott Street, features—you guessed it—books and waffles! Fill out their “book interest” form to see if a specific book is in stock, or peruse their new and used offerings while enjoying a freshly made Liege waffle.

Venturing into an indie bookstore allows for a break from the homogeneity of the chain stores and for more personalized recommendations. Kelsey calls them more of “a personal collection; an experience of curation.”

“Shopping here helps to support local neighborhoods,” says Kelsey, who will find one to go to even while traveling if only to get an impression of the town. You can strike up conversations at the check out and meet your neighbors in a different atmosphere than chains offer, which Kelsey calls "a kindred spirit of strangers and curating an experience for those who love to read.”

There is an influence of bookstores in the community that Kelsey wants to be a part of, which is the “cool thing about Indie Bookstore Day,” she says, a day all about appreciation for bookish life. On April 27th this year, the city of Buffalo brought the national event home, hosting a citywide celebration and drawing recognition and promotion for its local bookstores. Participants picked up a bookstore passport, collected stamps for two weeks prior to the 27th, and the completed passports were entered to win gift cards to participating bookstores.

The best part was seeing the owners’ faces light up seeing someone walk in. Indie bookstores give back to the community because they are in the community, and it’s amazing to see.

In Buffalo, books aren’t just read; they’re lived, shared, and celebrated. They’re plucked off library shelves for summer reading lists or pass hands in bookstores as personal recommendations. They’re shared experiences and supporting neighbors, leaning into the phrase, the “City of Good Readers.” So come, dive into the pages of a new-to-you read and lose yourself in exploring Buffalo’s literary landscape. You never know what you’ll find!

It is important to note too that libraries rely on their neighbors for support and monetary donations for program offerings and to keep books on shelves. "If you’re interested in the growth of the community, then you need to get out in it."