I felt like a vulture shopping at Border’s final close-out sale today. Everything down to the bookshelves was for sale at 50-70% off. I could not help but think, “If only I had been a better customer, I wouldn't be here picking at the remains.” Instead I am a voracious reader who patronizes and supports the public library for all of her once-read fiction, biographies, etc.. However, I have purchased cook books, travel books, reference books, atlases, children’s books, gift books, and calendars at Border’s. I even attended a women’s book discussion at its convenient location for many years. I can remember sitting at our discussion, looking at all of the people walking around the store, and thinking, thank goodness that people still read.
I muttered, “I’m sorry you’re closing. It must be tough losing employment in the present economy.” The cashier nodded her thanks and said that the gentleman ahead of me had money left on his gift card which he donated to the next customer. So today I walked away with 9 items for not much money—a real bargain. But it also felt like a real loss.
[Editor's note: This is my 100th post, and I still haven't run out of things to say!]
3 comments:
Oh dear. What a sad shoppng tirp for you Elizabeth. What a lovely man to give away th emoney on his gift card.
It is sad to see a bookstore go, but I have a happy side to offer: in Brookline, MA a B& N opened down the street from the funky, creaky-wood-floor Brookline Booksmith. We all feared it was the end of the independent, but in fact, readers rallied around, the readings at the deco Coolidge Corner Theatre (sponsored by Booksmith) flourished, and the B & N moved out. Fewer bargains, more heart!
Good story, Gentle Blogger. I always feel torn between the library and the book store. Now that I volunteer at the library weekly, it is even more convenient to use. The library services families that may not be able to afford books and movies otherwise. The library provides computer access for the unemployed, and it is locally convenient for the elderly. It's funding has been cut ruthlessly. But buying books supports book stores and authors.
Post a Comment