It's heartening that there is some good news in the independent bookstore world—or at least indications that all is not lost. Consider: the lively demonstration at BEA of the ABA's IndieBound program, which suggests that going global is so five minutes ago and that buying local is the wave of the future. And then there are the doings planned by the folks at Square One Books in Oxford, Miss., whose owner,
Richard Howorth, came up with the idea of a weeklong “camp” for book lovers and authors, the better to entice tourists/readers.
And yet, in the weeks leading up to Independence Day, it seemed most of the news was of the increasingly, typically unhappy variety when it came to independent bookstores: not only has the Strand closed one of its outposts in lower Manhattan, but Shakespeare & Company, also in New York, has decided to stop selling trade books out of one of its locations. And then, of course, there was, in early summer, the end of Dutton's in Los Angeles, and last week, the final day for the beloved Cody's in Berkeley.
This, obviously, doesn't bode well for the future, and it's not really much of a surprise, either. As we've long been observing, independent bookstores have been struggling mightily—and a serious economic downturn (only starting with how much it now costs to fill up your gas tank to get you to the store in the first place, let alone how much less money you have to pay for books when you get there) doesn't help. It's a worrisome time, and a sad one.
But as the following note from Andy Ross, former owner of Cody's in Berkeley, shows, it can also be a quietly proud one.
On June 20 Cody's Books in Berkeley closed its doors forever. People will argue the causes of Cody's closing. But I have no doubts on this matter. Cody's was the victim of history.
But it is less significant how one dies than how one lived. In this respect, Cody's acquitted itself with honor and dignity. At the end of the day, when the record is written, it will be remembered that Cody's added immeasurably to the life of the mind; that it profoundly enriched people's lives; that it gave back more than it took; and that it was obedient to its own ideals.
The doors close. The lights go out. The steadfast and courageous employees move on to new lives. Other bookstores will come to serve Cody's customers. But there will always be a place in our hearts for Cody's. And it will serve as an inspiration for those who seek a better world.
Good-bye, Cody's, and goodnight. You have earned your rest.
Agree? Disagree? Tell us at www.publishersweekly.com/saranelson
