Today, according to my west coast brother, is "Independent Bookstore Day." While I enjoy browsing in a bookstore, independent or otherwise, as much as anyone, I do wonder sometimes how they stay in business.
I imagine that, in some large cities, libraries aren't as conveniently located as they are in Fort Wayne. The Allen County Public Library has a wonderful large downtown library, with one of the best geneology sections in the country, and 13 branch libraries, one of which is within walking distance of my house. Lucky for me I can get all the books I want or need at our local branch at no cost, and usually in large print which I find very helpful.
Many years ago I taught in a small town in the Catskills. At that time I couldn't afford cable TV (the only option that worked in the mountains) but I discovered that my little town had a wonderful bookstore (with shelves and shelves of paperback books) located right next door to the laundromat. What could be more convenient? I read all of the novels by John D. McDonald and discovered many other fine authors along the way. So I must admit, independent book stores do have their place. I certainly helped keep that one in business.
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