This week includes National Independent Bookstore Day, so we’ve asked author Laura Bird to join us and discuss what makes them important—not just for the local economy but for diversity in reading opportunities and providing community spaces to celebrate literature.

UpNorthNews with Pat Kreitlow airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-8 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and Instagram to keep up with Pat & the show!