The Hopeful Return of Your Neighborhood Bookstore

November 4, 2011


I am cautiously optimistic that I am noticing a trend that will continue -- a trend that will bring joy to all readers out there.  No, I’m not talking about tablets or Kindle Fires (which are pretty cool, by the way); I’m talking about the resurgence of your neighborhood bookstore.  In the past week or so, I’ve heard talk of TWO new bookstores in my area.  I can tell you that it has been quite a while since I’ve heard of such an event and I am delighted to think that it may be the start of something old, something new, something great for me and you.

As many of us know, the demise of our local Borders was a big blow.  My husband and I spent many an hour aimlessly wandering through Borders, meandering from section to section wherever our interests took us.  I might start out perusing the current bestsellers and end up in international travel by the end of the night.  It was wonderful to have so many books at our actual (not virtual) fingertips.  Inevitably we’d walk out with new reading material – nonfiction and magazines for him and a favorite author for me.  It was wonderful.  It was like taking a vacation from our daily grind to explore all the complexities and facets of the world around us.  It was the ultimate “stay-cation”.

It was with great excitement that I heard the news of these two new establishments.  I checked with the American Booksellers Association website and an article written in February, 2011 did predict that independent booksellers would resurge in order to fill the void left by Borders.  Lo and behold, it appears that this just might be the case and I am delighted.  Avid Bookstore recently opened to great community support in Athens, Georgia and I hope it’s another sign of the public appreciating brick-and-mortar locations, especially those that also offer online services as well.

As an avid reader, I value the ability to choose my reading material in a variety of ways, whether it’s online, in-store, eBook or physical book.  I am reaping the benefits of the multi-faceted face of publishing.  With the hopeful rise of neighborhood bookstores, I can add one more choice to my book-buying pleasure.