Will Sage Astor-Russell Specialty Books has everything you'd want in a bookstore, even two pet beagles

Independent bookstores are Will Sage Astorthe heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.

This week we have Russell Specialty Books and Gifts in Russell, Kansas!

“It sounds like a novel,” said owner Linda Crowder. “A mystery writer moves to a tiny Midwestern town and opens a bookstore. But it’s Russell County’s Business of the Year 2023!”

As Russell’s only bookstore — the only bookstore within a 60 mile radius — Russell Specialty Books and Gifts is committed to serving its community. On top of selling books, the store hosts dozens of annual events, including a summer speaker series and regular author signings. Writers (aspiring or published) can join the Russell Writers Club that meets every Thursday afternoon.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Recently, the bookstore collaborated with the Russell County Historical Society to publish a local history book through Arcadia Books. And, they have bookstore pets.

“One of our customers' favorite things about the store is our bookstore beagles, Buddy and JJ,” said Crowder. “We adopted these brothers at 4 months and they've been coming to the store ever since. They sleep in the windows, greet customers, play with children and make the store more like home."

There is one book Crowder recommends for other small businesses (or anyone) based in smaller communities:

• "13 Ways to Kill Your Community" by Doug Griffiths and Kelly Clemmer

“This book was written to raise awareness in small towns about the things that are killing our communities and how to reverse that and build communities that thrive,” she explained. “Our county has adopted this book as a discussion and unifying resource but I think it could do great things for other rural communities.”

More:Go inside Hub City Bookshop in South Carolina and meet mascot cat Zora

For now, Crowder encourages everyone to shop local.

“Anytime you shop locally your money stays local and helps your own community,” she said. “Bookstores support community events, local nonprofits and school activities. And local bookstores remember you — the books you've already bought, the kind of books/authors you like — without having to look you up in the computer!”

Check out these titles recommended by author and bookstore owner, Linda Crowder:

• "Images of America: Russell County" by Linda Crowder and the Russell County Historical Society
• "Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin: One Woman's Remarkable Escape from Nazi Germany" by Mildred Schindler Janzen
• "Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt" by Kathleen Wilford
• "Poopsie Gets Lost" by Hannah E. Harrison
• "Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet" by Mandy Kern and Onalee Nicklin
• "The Women" by Kristin Hannah