Looking for a brick-and-mortar bookstore?

It comes down to principle for me. As the owner of a 79-year-old mom-and-pop lumberyard, I clearly understand the value of a face-to-face relationship that can only come through human contact. For those of us who are in a hurry, which is most of us, and want to save a buck, this “relationship” idea is a lost concept. 

Over the years, we have seen a chain of bookstores called Borders go away. Currently, Barnes and Noble is closing some locations. The writing is on the wall as independent bookstores like Keplers struggle. I remember having three independent bookstores in San Carlos when I was growing up many years ago. Now they are just a pleasant memory.

There is currently a bookstore in San Carlos called the Reading Bug which is a lot more than a bookstore. So much so that they were the Business of the Year in San Carlos recently. They bring much more to the table then you will ever find on Amazon. For myself, it is about a lot more than just price alone. I will go out of my way to support The Reading Bug.

There may come a day when Amazon is the only show in town for books. Watch what happens to prices when they have eliminated their competition. Grocery stores are next.

David Thom

San Carlos