Waldenbooks is closing.

It is with great sadness that I announce that the Waldenbooks at the Crossroads Mall in Beckley, West Virginia is closing. They're also closing the Waldenbooks at the Ashland Town Center in Ashland, Kentucky. It is the one that I live close to now. Grrr.

I’m very upset about this. This was my hometown local bookstore.
Waldenbooks is a division of Borders.

Borders had announced bankruptcy last week.

I’d guess these are the potential reasons for the bankruptcy. Based on my personal experiences:

Electronic books (e-books) are being purchased, so people aren’t going to the store. I buy a lot of my books on my kindle now.

Many best-sellers are often more affordable at Wal-Mart or Sam’s club.

Many books can be purchased online at Amazon.com for better prices.

I’d argue that we still need bookstores. They’re vital for many reasons. They expose books to a wider range of people who may not have access to e-books (like younger children).

I am very bitter. I may have to take this with a spoon of sugar (as Mary Poppins) would say. Is that the right movie I'm quoting? I don't know.

In good news, I did receive a $10 promotion code for Amazon this week. This was included with a special offer for buying magazines at amazon.com. I purchased two of them for my mother.

Well -- Maybe Amazon will be your new bookseller: