In 2019, Trinity University Press launched its “Read Local” campaign at the San Antonio and Texas Book Festivals. According to Press director Tom Payton, “We’re shining a light on local writers, booksellers, publishers, readers, and stories. Celebrating that is a message that resonates everywhere.”
This spring, the Press planned to broaden the campaign with t-shirts, stickers, buttons, and Fiesta medals. But, as COVID-19 saw gatherings cancelled, they took the Read Local campaign online locally, including the San Antonio Book Festival as beneficiary of part of the revenue. Seeing retailers nationally struggle, TU Press took Read Local national to support 1800+ independent U.S. booksellers, using a sporty campaign design by former Press intern Sarah Cooper ’15.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg '99 supports the Read Local campaign.
During May and June, national sales proceeds will benefit the nonprofit publishing mission of the Press as well as the Book Industry Charitable Council, an organization that provides support to small booksellers in times of crisis. Local sales continue to benefit the San Antonio Book Festival.
“We’re community-focused and committed to civic engagement, so this initiative is perfect for spreading the Read Local message while helping small businesses we value,” Payton says. Visit read-local.org to start Reading Local today!
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