What is Bookshop?

What is Bookshop?

By Whitney Bolin / August 17, 2023

Wesley and I established Bolin Books because one of our most deeply held personal values is curiosity, and we wanted to create a space where everyone in western Kentucky and beyond feels welcome and free to find a book they love.

Curiosity and a sense of discovery are central to browsing a used bookstore like ours, but in some situations it makes sense to shop online instead. Here are some examples of when you might want to visit Bookshop:

• Your favorite author has written a new book, and you want it on your doorstep as soon as it can get to you.

• You couldn’t find the book or author you’re looking for on our shelves.

• You’re looking for that one book all the morning shows and BookTok are talking about. 

Bookshop is an effort from the American Booksellers Association to support independent bookstores like Bolin Books. On Bookshop you can purchase or pre-order new books, and they are shipped directly to you.

Why shop at Bookshop?

I started using Bookshop to buy Christmas and birthday gifts  several years before Wesley and I considered opening Bolin Books.

We both love independent bookstores. Every trip we take has a corresponding map of bookstores to visit. Each store we have stopped in over our years together has its own story and offers a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at independent bookstores. 

I wanted to spend my money in a way that supported these shops and preserved those experiences for others. 

Now that we have opened our own indie shop, it is so fulfilling to me to be a partner with Bookshop.

How does Bookshop support Bolin Books?

When you shop from Bookshop, you can select Bolin Books as your bookstore. When you choose us as your designated bookstore or click one of our Bookshop links, 30% of your purchase goes to our store. Bookshop also shares a portion of its profits with independent bookstores twice a year.

Simply put, Bookshop helps small indie bookstores like us keep our lights on.

Bookshop FAQ

• How do I make sure my purchase is credited to Bolin Books?

  When you go directly to Bookshop’s site or once you create your account, click Choose a Bookstore in the menu. The link is typically in the top right corner of Bookshop’s site. Bolin Books also receives credit if you access Bookshop from one of our affiliate  links.

• I accidentally ordered from Bookshop but forgot to check if Bolin Books was set as my store.

  Good news! We’ve done this too. Simply email Bookshop’s customer service, provide them with your order number, and ask for them to credit your purchase to Bolin Books. From experience, they are very nice and are quick to answer any questions you might have.

• Can I use a Bolin Books gift card to buy from Bookshop?

  Sadly, no. Bolin Books gift cards can only be redeemed in store.

• I saw a title I’m looking for on Bookshop. Do you have it in store?

  We can’t promise we have a title in store since we are primarily a used bookstore. You are welcome to call, message, or stop in to see if the title you’re looking for is on our shelves.

• Can you order a book for me from Bookshop?

  Your best option is  to place your own order on Bookshop because we charge a small service fee for special orders. But if you’re unable to access a computer with an internet connection or need assistance, just ask. 

• Do I need to come pick up my Bookshop order from Bolin Books?

  Though we are always happy for you to visit Bolin Books, it isn’t necessary for Bookshop orders since they are shipped directly to your address.