Daniel Lee, a student at Davidson College, is turning his long-held dream of owning an independent bookstore into a reality through global research and hands-on experiences, supported by various college grants and study abroad opportunities.
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Lee has envisioned an independent bookstore filled with a wide assortment of books, where families can enjoy reading together in a cozy environment. He highlights that independent bookstores offer more than just books; they create community spaces where people come together for events, discussions, and shared interests.
Recognizing their role as civic institutions, Lee notes that these bookstores foster dialogue and a sense of community, contrasting with a focus solely on economic growth.
Davidson College has provided Lee with the resources to explore his passion across three continents and over 200 bookstores. With support from the Matthews Center’s Professional Development Grant, he participated in the Heartland Fall Forum, a conference for independent bookstores in the Midwest, where he connected with influential figures in the industry, like authors and bookstore owners.
In addition, the Weinstein Travel Grant facilitated a Midwest Indie Bookstore Road Trip, during which he visited 20 bookstores across four states. This journey allowed him to interview booksellers about critical issues such as book banning and innovative bookstore models, enriching his understanding of the industry.
Before studying abroad in France, he received funding through the Dean Rusk Grant and the Alvarez Access Fund, enabling a comparative study of independent bookstores in France and the UK, focusing on how cultural and governmental factors shape the literary landscape. His research included visits to notable shops like Daunt Books in London and Librairie Jousseaume in Paris.
His experiences led to an internship at The Red Wheelbarrow, an anglophone bookshop in Paris, where he organized a book club with fellow Davidson students and alumni.
Currently, Lee is conducting research aimed at improving access to global literature by examining best practices for publishers, translators, and bookstores.
He invites others to join him in pursuing dreams at Davidson College and encourages visits to Main Street Books, the independent bookstore in Davidson run by Adah Fitzgerald, a 2001 graduate.