The closure of the Book Room, Canada's oldest bookstore, was announced several months ago, and now it seems it's happened. Of course it's sad to see it go; it was quite a nice bookshop, and in its way a bit of local history.
But (!): in fairness, I have always vastly preferred The Bookmark and John W. Doull as independent bookstores. I'd be beside myself at the loss of either of those (much as I was at the closure of Sam's). I'm hoping that these businesses are more flexible and adaptable than the Book Room, which blamed its closure on the rise of internet book-shopping, proved to be. But, just in case, if you're in Halifax, I beseech -- nay, implore! -- you to shop at these stores. What kind of city would we have without independent booksellers? I shudder to think.
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2 comments:
Living downtown means that I now ALWAYS shop at JWD and the Bookmark, and my life is better for it, I think. (You're right though- all independent bookstores are not created equal. For example, I can't stand the snooty snootheads at Frog Hollow books.)
Cancrit, WHEN are you going to post about the ridiculous goings-on at the CBC, that supposed bastion of Canadian identity?
Heh. I just discovered JWD opened a "satellite" store just up the hill called "Jade W" that specializes in children's literature, and more recent publications. They are semi-independent, but share stock.
It's as if they now have a new store to contain the overflow. So, I think JWD is doing well. And I continue to patronize the Bookmark, who will order practically anything for you, so why WOULD you shop online.
Interestingly, the former Book Room has embarked on its second life as a shop under the name of "Veritas: A Catholic Book and Gift Store". Something for the out-of-towners coming to see the Basilica, I guess.
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