Reading Greece: Little Bookstores Week 2025 – Bookstores Without Borders

Little bookstores constitute an integral part of our culture and our local communities. It’s the place where writers can connect with readers, where we discover new, unknown worlds, where children are captivated by the thrill of reading that can last a lifetime. They are the places that never stop inspiring us, uniting us and spreading the love for books.

Νοw in its fourth year, the last week of May (26-31 May 2025) is dedicated to little bookstores, the places that keep love for books and reading alive in every neighborhood! With the participation of 130 little bookstores in Greece and Cyprus, Little Bookstores Week brings together once again authors, illustrators and creators with readers of all ages.

Themed “Bookstores without Borders” this year’s Little Bookstores Week highlights the role of books as a bridge that unites people across geographical, cultural and social borders. In a world divided by borders, stories will continue to travel with even greater power and break down barriers, since they always remind us that we all co-exist in the same narrative. During Little Bookstores Week, children too will travel across borders, with books that unite cultures and bring together young book lovers around the world!

On the occasion of Little Bookstores Week, Reading Greece* spoke to Demi Koutsostamati, the woman behind Little Bookstores Week about her venture, the events that will take place during this week, the crucial role that little bookstores play, the challenges they are faced with and the prospects ahead.

Little Bookstores Week is an action that aims to acquaint booklovers with the magic world of little bookstore. What’s the story behind this venture of yours?

Little Bookstores is a project that highlights the vital role local bookstores play in our communities. It is inspired by the small, simple pleasure of visiting a little bookshop and the importance of supporting local. It started back in 2016 aiming to strengthen people’s connection with their local bookstores that were struggling with the aftermath of the economic crisis.

Τhe idea of Little Bookstores Week was born during the quarantine, a time that we were deprived of the opportunity to visit our favorite bookshops and engage in the enriching experiences they offer. Also, a time rather challenging for their viability since they faced financial strain, prompting the need for initiatives to support them.

Tell us a few things about the events that will take place during the Little Bookstores Week and the bookstores that will be part of them.

During this year’s Little Bookstores Week, more than 130 independent bookstores from all across Greece — from major cities to small towns and islands — will be taking part in a celebration of books, community, and culture. The events are as diverse and vibrant as the bookstores themselves. You’ll find author talks, book presentations, storytelling sessions for children, creative workshops and even music events. One of our signature happenings is “Booksellers for a Day,” where well-known writers step behind the counter to recommend books and connect with readers in a more personal way.

This year’s theme, “Bookstores Without Borders,” brings together stories, voices, and cultures from around the world. There’s truly something for everyone — every age, every taste. And that’s the magic of the week: books are back to their natural home — the small neighborhood bookstores that bring communities together. You can find the full program and list of participating bookstores at littlebookstoresweek.gr.

How important is the role of little bookstores? How do they influence reading preferences?

Whether being a regular or not, we all have visited a little bookstore at least once in our lives. And although every reader’s personal experience is unique, there are a few things that many could identify with: the pervading sense of serenity, of shutting out the noise of the city, of being alone with one’s thoughts, of exploring new ideas and remembering those that shaped one’s identity.

Little bookstores add on collective experience as well, as they are an integral part of local communities and everyday life often revolves around them. In these small local shops, bibliophiles get together frequently. Vivid discussions about books may take place anytime. Younger readers may experience the pleasure of reading for the first time or listen to an author read their favorite book. This sense of belonging, of sharing knowledge and interacting with other people based on a common interest can briefly describe why regulars tend to feel at home and to create a special bond with their beloved bookstores.

Which are the main challenges little bookstores face nowadays? How do they respond to these challenges? What about the prospects ahead?

Brick-and-mortar bookstores are up against an increasingly digital marketplace and the yet unknown impact of AI. Furthermore, the challenge for traditional booksellers to adapt to this rapidly advancing technological era remains ongoing.

Nevertheless, little bookstores are known and loved for bringing bibliophiles together long before any platform did. They are favored for the knowledgeable booksellers suggesting our next read long before digital cookies and algorithms did. Moreover, they have been the primary choice of eco conscious readers for their low ecological footprint long before it became an appealing corporate identity. That’s why local communities have shown very sensitive reflexes when it comes to supporting them and we believe that they will continue to do so.

*Interview by Athina Rossoglou