A Closed Book

These are tough times in our economy, as we know. Former retail giants like Circuit City and Mervyn's have closed and are now just memories in the wind. When one of these stores go out of business some people are sad, but most aren't because they don't have an emotional connection to a chain store.

The same can't be said about independent stores though. With the news that The Cook's Library is closing, I'm sad about the small businesses that are driven away not just because of the economy, but because of behemoth stores. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but there is something really nice and comforting about going into a small bookstore. You get people that really care about the experience of browsing and of finding something new.

It's also nice to have a store like this dedicated to one topic. I've only been in The Cook's Library a few times, but each time there were at least a dozen books I wanted (but didn't) buy. But when I was in there surrounded by books about cooking, books about things I didn't even know they could write books about, it inspired me and made me want to have all different kinds of culinary adventures. I don't get that experience in a large bookstore.

A Different Light bookstore in West Hollywood is also closing, and though I never really went there it's still a sign of the times that we keep moving away from small businesses that support a community and towards a large warehouse type store (internet included). Whether this is good or bad, it's hard to say. But these places were special and hopefully can one day fight their way back to a triumphant return.