Looks like I'm in the minority here. I appreciate the BN in my neighborhood--for all the reasons cited as negatives in the thread. I'm 100% e-book and audio so physical books aren't much use to me (eyes can't handle them anymore). My BN is great for quick drive-by present buying just before heading out to a birthday party scenario. And this scenario must be popular--hence the free the wrapping paper! It's also a place to drop by when there's a blackout on my block or the internet connection goes out. And finally, it anchors the downtown area--rather a BN than another mediocre restaurant or boutique clothes shop that dominate my neighborhood.
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