Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Book Store Closing


I posted earlier this week on Facebook about my Monday visit to the Pasadena, California, Barnes and Noble.
 

I'd been to a couple of bookstores the week before, after December began, but my December Harlequin Romantic Suspense COVERT ATTRACTION wasn't yet on the shelves.  It was there, though, at the Pasadena B&N, three copies that I got to sign.  Also on the shelves were several copies of my Pet Rescue Mysteries.  I was thrilled. 
 
 

I was also sad.  This Barnes and Noble is closing as of December 31. 

I enjoy going to Pasadena for different reasons, including its bookstores.  Vroman's is always fun.  So is Book 'Em Mysteries, which I visit before each of the Sisters in Crime Los Angeles meetings since the South Pasadena library--venue for the SinCLA meetings--and Book 'Em are within close walking distance of one another.  As far as I know, both of those stores are doing okay. 

But not that B&N.   

I admit that, although I have a Kindle and enjoy using it, I'm still hooked on physical books.  That means I'm also hooked on brick-and-mortar bookstores, although I have been known to order books online, too.   

It's sad to realize that my next book, TEACUP TURBULENCE, the fifth Pet Rescue Mystery, won't ever see the inside of that particular B&N since it's a January 2014 release.  I won't get to sign copies there.  I won't get to buy other books there unless I hurry back before the end of this year.

 
Sigh.
 
There are other B&Ns around, and some are closer to me.  I won't have to totally wean myself from Barnes and Nobles, just that one.  But that still makes me sad. 

So how about you--how are bookstores in your area doing?  And what's your opinion of them?

4 comments:

Cheryl said...

My heart is breaking for you. We used to have a Waldenbooks/Waldenkids. We used to have a Borders. Our nearest B&N is about 30 minutes away - if my husband drives that is. If I drive probably closer to 45 minutes.
We are reduced to buying books at Fred Meyer and Safeway. We still see former Walden employees browsing the books & magazines in Safeway.
So sad. I sometimes go to the library just to inhale the scent.

Linda O. Johnston said...

I do so miss the Waldenbooks in local malls and the Borders, too, Cheryl. Although I prefer to buy from the local bookstores to do my small part in keeping them alive, I sometimes buy books in Target or KMart but even their book sections seem to be shrinking.

Betty Hechtman said...

I didn't know about the Pasadena B&N closing. How sad. It is such a nice lively store.

Linda O. Johnston said...

I agree, Betty. I'm sure it will be sorely missed.