Scrounging For Book Money

In San Francisco, A Different Light and Modern Times book shops are essentially going out of business.

I don't want that to happen to my local independent vendor. If only I could scrape up enough cash (the car's going to need gas by Thursday so the budget is stretched already) to support them.

Any loose change under the sofa cushions? A few dollars tumbling in the dryer?

The ladies who own and manage my local shop know their merchandise. Anyone who wanders in, looking for something to read, can find direction among the shelves and tables. Oh, but there's no coffee. This isn't one of those kinds of places. It's a book store that sells books and you won't find a scone lurking in the corner.

A Different Light catered to a particular clientele, but times have changed and the gay/lesbian/bi/trans community can find appealing books all over the place. No more need for one site supplying the needs of a relatively hidden community. They're not in the closet anymore, and with acceptance comes change.

The change isn't good for those who hitched their wagons to a single star, only to watch the star fade and die.

Modern Times has fallen victim to declining revenue in the face of a landlord who wants to earn a certain level of profit from his rentals. Hence, their request that people come in and buy books.

My local bookstore is geared towards the general reading public, and it's located in an area where people can still afford a few luxuries, like books. The store owner makes a point of offering personal service, another huge plus in this part of the world.

Yet I know that several friends who were regular customers are now celebrating their new Kindles.

That means they aren't buying so many books as they once did at the store, choosing the instant gratification of the e-book. But did they select that e-book based on advice from the bookstore owner? Without the shop, who can steer me in the right direction when I'm flush with cash and want something to read that isn't a reject left on the library shelf?

Support your local independent book store. Buy a book.