For those who love bookstores

[kennyc]

US Bookstore Survives Changes in Publishing Industry

Books and bookstores, have been having a hard time in the United States in the last few years. Not long ago, large discount booksellers drove many small, independent book stores out of business. Now, those superstores are taking a hit from on-line and digital book sellers. Borders -- the country’s number two book chain -- recently declared bankruptcy and Amazon says it is now selling more e-books than printed ones. But in New York City, there’s a family-owned, independent book store that is still going strong.

Family-owned business

The Strand Book store, in New York's East Village, is surrounded by huge buildings belonging to New York University. It is more than 84 years old and is among the oldest cultural institutions in New York. It's affectionately known for the row of tables outside, filled with one-dollar books.

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More here (nice video too):

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/...130342888.html

[pinklotus]

Nice article, thanks for posting. I hope bookstores and libraries always stick around.

[Phogg]

Two years ago while traveling through east Texas I saw a working ice plant.
There are still plenty of saddle shops around as well.
Becoming a niche market isn't as bad as going completely away.

[Andrew H.]

Originally Posted by Phogg

Two years ago while traveling through east Texas I saw a working ice plant.
There are still plenty of saddle shops around as well.
Becoming a niche market isn't as bad as going completely away.

??
There are hundreds of ice plants across the US - that's where the bagged ice you buy at the store comes from.

[carpetmojo]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

??
There are hundreds of ice plants across the US - that's where the bagged ice you buy at the store comes from.

Good point re: ice, but saddle shops are a good example of niches.
Like cheese shops, quilt shops, vintage radio shops........

[FatDog]

There is also "Stacys" bookstore on Market street in San Francisco - an institution in the area. Thats where I saw Jasper Fford on a book-signing.

[Todd Young]

I'd say bookchains will probably disappear, but there will always be room for independent book sellers.

[Phogg]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

??
There are hundreds of ice plants across the US - that's where the bagged ice you buy at the store comes from.

The ice you buy bagged at the store comes from a big ice making machine, usually in the back of that same store and bagged each night by the night crew.

This was what also used to be called a "locker plant". In addition to lots of ice, customers rent walk in freezer space big enough for a couple butchered cows and hogs. They used to be a feature of every well to do farm town.

My grandparents still had space in one back in the mid seventies, and I had not seen one since that time.

[Andrew H.]

Originally Posted by Phogg

The ice you buy bagged at the store comes from a big ice making machine, usually in the back of that same store and bagged each night by the night crew.

Maybe that's common some places, but nowhere that I've ever lived.

http://news.homecityice.com/

[JD Gumby]

Originally Posted by Phogg

The ice you buy bagged at the store comes from a big ice making machine, usually in the back of that same store and bagged each night by the night crew.

Maybe in your area. Here in Eastern Canada the stores just buy bagged ice and toss it in a freezer.

[shadowfox30]

It's really sad that those bookstores are being bankrupted by digital books. But, technology is here, and so is global warming. At least for digital books, lesser trees will be cut to produce paper. It has been the greatest factor for me in buying an ebook reader. Not because it is the "in" gadget these days, but because I can help mother earth.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by shadowfox30

It's really sad that those bookstores are being bankrupted by digital books. But, technology is here, and so is global warming. At least for digital books, lesser trees will be cut to produce paper. It has been the greatest factor for me in buying an ebook reader. Not because it is the "in" gadget these days, but because I can help mother earth.

Welcome! And good for you!

[elcreative]

Originally Posted by shadowfox30

It's really sad that those bookstores are being bankrupted by digital books. But, technology is here, and so is global warming. At least for digital books, lesser trees will be cut to produce paper. It has been the greatest factor for me in buying an ebook reader. Not because it is the "in" gadget these days, but because I can help mother earth.

Not the "help mother earth" line again... actually likely to reduce CO2 take-up. Trees for paper production are planted ESPECIALLY for paper production, they're not rain forest hardwoods etc.

Reduce the use of paper and you will remove the need to plant so many trees... and new growth has a greater CO2 take up during the early rapid growth phase... but whatever happens, it is a myth that reducing paper usage saves trees... reducing paper use reduces the need for trees that are planted for paper and the land is likely to be out to some other, less eco-friendly use...

Buy a paper book and help plant a tree makes much more sense...

[boswd]

Originally Posted by kennyc

US Bookstore Survives Changes in Publishing Industry

Books and bookstores, have been having a hard time in the United States in the last few years. Not long ago, large discount booksellers drove many small, independent book stores out of business. Now, those superstores are taking a hit from on-line and digital book sellers. Borders -- the country’s number two book chain -- recently declared bankruptcy and Amazon says it is now selling more e-books than printed ones. But in New York City, there’s a family-owned, independent book store that is still going strong.

Family-owned business

The Strand Book store, in New York's East Village, is surrounded by huge buildings belonging to New York University. It is more than 84 years old and is among the oldest cultural institutions in New York. It's affectionately known for the row of tables outside, filled with one-dollar books.

...
More here (nice video too):

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/...130342888.html

The Strand is must see if ever in NYC if you are a book lover, I love that place. What is there moto, 18 miles of books? Last time I was there I bought like 10 hardcovers for less than $60. Mostly basically brand new, reviewers copies.

[elizilla]

Originally Posted by JD Gumby

Maybe in your area. Here in Eastern Canada the stores just buy bagged ice and toss it in a freezer.

Same here. I have worked in a couple of stores that sold bagged ice. It came on a truck.