It is my very great privilege to work at one of Portland’s legendary independent bookstores: Annie Blooms Books. On Sunday the bookstore and her intrepid owner Bobby Tischner celebrated 40 years of fostering a literary community in Multnomah Village. I love going to work with my generous and wise colleagues. I love helping our patrons find just the right book, especially for the youngest readers, and I love the role indie bookstores play in upholding the First Amendment. In an era full or dark and foreboding news I’m very happy to say that I know of several new independent bookstores opening in the northwest and across the United States. It gives me much hope for the future.