Four independent bookstores are among the 25 quarter-finalists for Independent We Stand's Independent Small Business of the Year Award, which was launched in 2011 to "recognize a locally-owned small business that has gone above and beyond to deliver great customer service and community support." Voting is now open for the 10 semifinalists. The top vote-getter will be declared this year's winner. Booksellers still in contention are:
Afterwords Books, Edwardsville, Ill.
From My Shelf Books & Gifts, Wellsboro, Pa.
The Bookshelf, Thomasville, Ga.