My Favorite Bookstore Is Closing Today

“The bookstore and the coffeehouse are natural allies; Neither has a time limit, slowness is encouraged.”
                                                                                          ~Lewis Buzbee

Today is the last day my favorite bookstore is staying open.  It's only 10 minutes away from where we live, and how I'm going to miss it.  Schuler Books & Music still has another store in Grand Rapids, but it's on the other end of town; and to be honest, Barnes and Noble is closer to us now.   Schuler's has been around for over 30 years in the Grand Rapids area.  I think we're all aware how hard the independent book stores are struggling with the big chains and with eBooks...

The thing is, their Café was really great, much better than B&N.  They may not have had Starbucks, but their coffee was delicious and they served hot tea in a press.  All basic drinks came with unlimited refills.  Their sandwiches, soups and pastries were yummy.  My mother and I spent many hours in their café and this is where I would meet some of my friends for just a drink and a chat...

Yes, that's a see-through fireplace you're looking at.   Oh, and did I mention they have a wonderful gift shop area with the usual candles, cards, etc., but also garden items, things for the kitchen, globes, beautiful picture frames, and on and on I could go.

I know I'll still stop in at their other location, but it won't be as often now.  Everything was either picked over or moved to their main store when I stopped in today, but I did buy two books.  Everyone should have a copy of  The Diary of Anne Frank (I had one when I was younger, but then it disappeared), and then I found a book I thought Mr. Cottage would enjoy, The Hungry Ocean.  $6 for both, not bad!

Unfortunately, I think we're all at fault for our independent bookstores closing.  Yup, it's a sad day.