Daniel Lee, a Davidson College student, is pursuing his childhood dream of owning an independent bookstore. Supported by the college’s resources, Lee's journey has taken him across three continents and over 200 bookstores, fueled by college grants and internships.
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Lee envisions an independent bookstore filled with diverse titles and a welcoming atmosphere where families gather to enjoy stories together. He believes these spaces go beyond mere book sales; they foster community engagement through curated collections, events, and conversations, acting as modern town halls for civic dialogue.
With support from the Matthews Center’s Professional Development Grant, Lee attended the Heartland Fall Forum, a key event for independent bookstores in the Midwest, where he connected with established booksellers like Danny Caine and Janet Jones.
Additionally, the Weinstein Travel Grant funded a road trip through the Midwest, allowing him to visit 20 bookstores across four states. He gathered insights on topics like book banning and innovative business models, further enhancing his understanding of the industry.
His journey included experiences abroad, supported by the Dean Rusk Grant and the Alvarez Access Fund, enabling him to study the differences between French and British independent bookstores. Lee visited notable shops including Daunt Books in London and Librairie Jousseaume in Paris.
His time at The Red Wheelbarrow, an anglophone bookstore in Paris, allowed him to engage with fellow students and alumni through a book club. Currently, Lee is researching ways to improve access to global literature by connecting publishers, translators, and bookstores across borders.
Lee invites others to join him on this dream-chasing adventure at Davidson. He also encourages visits to Main Street Books, the town's independent bookstore managed by Adah Fitzgerald ’01.