A national patternThis bookstore renaissance isn’t unique to Rochester, but follows a larger pattern nationwide after the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside traditional events, such as book signings and book clubs, bookstores have introduced events centered on creating community. “I think that’s a great way of just getting people in the door and expanding that community,” Gale says. “We had the brewery hub 10 years ago, and now we kind of have a bookstore boom,” says Ellis. The book-selling community in general is pretty darn supportive.”Emmely Eli Texcucano is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and member of the Oasis Project’s second cohort.