In the last decade, half the nation’s small, independent bookstores went out of business—while Buffalo’s oldest independent bookstore, Talking Leaves, expanded. How did that happen? Next week Buffalo State College hosts a series of talks at Hallwalls that pay tribute to Talking Leaves that may provide some answers. The kickoff event is a screening of Jacob Bricca’s new documentary, Indies Under Fire, which examines the demise of bookstores like Talking Leaves across the country while chronicling the struggle for survival of three shops in northern California. Bricca will present his film in person and take part in panel discussion afterward, along with Jonathon Welch of Talking Leaves, Amy Kedron of Buffalo First!, fiction writer Mick Cochrane of Canisius College and moderator David Landrey, retired English professor from Buff State. Throughout the rest of the week, artists and authors whose work is the stock in trade of independents like Talking Leaves will take part in the tribute to the 30-year-old bastion of eclecticism. Check www.hallwalls.org for a schedule of speakers.

Saturday, April 21 at 8pm. Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center,

341 Delaware Avenue (837-8554, hallwalls.org).