Watching books go out the door by the armful is beyond bittersweet. I am so glad people are buying books, and that I don’t have to pack them. I am so thankful someone finally discovered that cool Robert Service book, the tiny book of English homes, and the Turkish Cookbook. I am so disheartened that it took a closing sale to see THIS level of business. In any case, thank you everyone that has come in with kind words and support, and left with those precious armloads.
Our closing date will be by the end of the month of July. Books will have to be gone in order to clear everything else out, so anticipate mid month. As soon as there is nothing to sell, we will be closed, between now and July 30. If someone still decides to buy the store, I will rip down the sale signs and sign the paper.
I would like to make a small editorial comment. I have been told repeatedly that I am closing because no one reads, because of Amazon, because a store like this just is not viable. To which my response now is – Just Stop. Actually sales have increased here every year, and while it is not a gold mine, it keeps perking along and growing. Nationally, bookstores are opening more than closing according to the American Booksellers Association, and independent bookstores are thriving in many, many communities that value them. All of you stocking up while our doors are still open are still readers and book lovers, and there are MANY of us still out there. There may be a smaller percentage of readers than in the past, but we still have many readers who appreciate bookstores. So STOP making this our narrative. Just start reading to kids, anybody’s kids of any age, so we have another generation of readers. Make a point of diversifying your own reading and putting down the devices. Join a book club or something. And please, please shop at local businesses if you value them in your community. And lastly, from my personal experience, please do not presume to tell a business owner why they are closing.
Thank you again to the many dear friends that have been a part of my family’s life for the past 13 years because of the bookstore. I am deeply grateful.
I am crying as I read this, my dear, dear Diane. I am so sorry there has not been a solution and hate that people are carrying out books… makes me a bit crazy as I know it does you.. What you wrote is poetic in any ways… Love you and have always loved what you have done for Bishop, the community, for book lovers, well, just everything you stand for, have stood for, and I know how much you hate doing this.. special.. love and care xoxox lynn
You could easily change the narrative by stating your actual reason for closing the store, thus ending the speculation.
Oh heavens. I have in earlier posts and at least a hundred times a day. I need to focus my time and attention on our other family business, and do not have the time needed to run this business.
Your bookstore was the first place I went to when I moved to Bishop. It is the place where I always felt welcome and where my son had his first job. This is bittersweet. I will miss my favorite place but HOW could anyone wish you anything but time and happiness to do what you want to do? People need to get a grip and like you said: Read, support local businesses, and for goodness sake stop the silly speculation on closing stupidity and then read some more. Thank you in a million ways but most of all for making my son’s first job just perfect! He had you as a boss, was surrounded by his beloved books and he had history at his fingertips each time he went to work!
Thank you Alicia. It has been a joy to work with Thomas.
Thank you, thank you for the joys of the bookstore as we drove through Bishop. It was only 1 – 3 times a year but we always left with an armful of books. I remember fondly new authors I discovered because of a book you had on display that intrigued me. Our visits go back to when the store was on a back street. I remember one time at the back street store when I was sitting on the floor with my new cell phone, talking with a friend as I was going through the stack of old Tricycle magazines. He wanted to complete his collection so I went through what was there to see what was needed. That collection still has a place in his living room! The best to you as you move to focus on the family business. Much, much gratitude.
Thank you Pamela for the long term loyalty and support! It has been a pleasure getting to know you and other customers who made the store a regular stop when passing through.
Your store was great and will be missed. May I still use my 50/50 credit?
Thank you for your business and great books Jeanette! You may use your credit on used merchandise as long as we are open and there is something to buy.
Thanks
I agree with Pamela. Whenever I was in Bishop, your bookstore was the first stop and I also found new authors, genres and must-haves. So, I left the bookstore with totes full of new treasures.
Thank you for the awesome selection and all of your work to make such a wonderful used bookstore.
I will sincerely miss you, but you must do what you need to to be happy and with your family.
I make a point of supporting small business all the time. They are the community.
Thank you so much for your kindness and support Terri. Best wishes.
Like so many others, I sit here in tears. I’ve loved the store since moving to Bishop, and, once I was at the school, you were a lifesaver! I’ve always had the hardest time throwing away a book! You took my discards, you provided for those series that were missing a volume, and you were a friend that always took time to chat! After moving away, I’ve made it a point to stop in as I pass through, and I never leave empty handed. I was so upset that I missed what I thought was the closing at the end of June. Hopefully I can get in again in the next few weeks but if I don’t, please know that you’re a special lady, with a special family, and one to be admired! I wish you the best. Hugs and much love from Nevada!
Awwwe, thanks Robin. I will miss great customers/friends like you. Thanks for all of your support over the years. Love to you too.