Is there any more pleasant way to while away an afternoon than browsing the shelves of an independent bookstore and adding a few new finds to your to-be-read pile? Throughout history, bookstores have been more than places to pick up the latest title: They are places to meet, to learn, and to plan social revolutions. In the age of Amazon and e-books, independent bookstores have faced more challenges than ever, but many have been able to persevere and remain treasured parts of their communities.