May 13, 2006
Las Librerías Desaparecidas

Independent bookstores are dropping like Bush’s poll ratings and, unfortunately for the former, there seems to be no end to the freefall. Two seminal bookstores announced major changes this week: A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books in San Francisco is up for sale and Cody’s Books on Telegraph Ave in Berkeley is closing its doors. Both cite declining sales as the major factor behind the shake-ups. Let me tell you, they aren’t the only ones to feel the pinch. Indie bookstores all over (including the Modern Times Collective) have been losing money for the past few years, and unfortunately, the trend looks like it has a long shelf-life. (I’ve heard rumors of two more indies going under, but since they haven’t made announcements yet, I won’t either.)

What may I ask, the hell, is going on? Are people reading less? Are they sinking to the depths of Barnes & Ignoble? Are they agoraphobically forgoing bookstores altogether for the midnight gratification of the internet? I don’t know. Probably a bit of all three. Frankly, all I do know is that we reluctant capitalists at Modern Times need more people to physically come here and shop if we are going to remain a viable institution. Despite what you may hear, we really do want to help you find books. There is no substitute for your patronage.

I’m scared to tell you the truth. One of the best things about San Francisco used to be the significant lack of chain stores. Sure, we’ve got our Office Depots and Safeways and two or three McMurders, but, in my mind at least, they are a non-option next to the Mom ‘n’ Pops and the Rainbows and the taquerias. Now, however, we have, what, three Borders Books/Music/Muffins in San Francisco? Is that really necessary? Small businesses, including our own, need YOUR business if you want to see them continue. It is a slow moving monster, the Corporate Takeover, but it is determined and armed and willing to squash. To quote Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, an Oakland based band:

The creature has enslaved our town
But no one thinks to bring it down
Provided with so much distraction
The people can't be moved to action

And when the people are all dead
Still the creature needs its bread
When we've been sucked completely dry
The creature needs its food supply

A parasite cannot survive
Unless its host remains alive
It has amassed such awesome wealth
Maybe it can eat itself

posted by Nick Ott

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