HOBOKEN — Author Caroline Leavitt, who has published eight novels and many other works, wrote in with this to say about the impending closure of Barnes and Noble in Hoboken:
My family is stunned about Barnes and Noble closing. I know Barnes and Noble isn’t going to change their minds, but I would like to make them aware of what they are doing or at least spark interest in someone who might want to start an indie store. Someone posted somewhere that said, “Gee, thanks, B&N for coming into our town and pushing out our three indies and now you’re leaving us in the lurch” and it’s true. I remember those indies and they just couldn’t compete. And now B&N is leaving us without a new books bookstore? A town as big and urban as Hoboken?
And B&N has been part of the community for so long. When our son was born, it was his home away from home. We have photographs of him sprawled on the floor reading, pile of books beside him (and yes, we bought the books, we didn’t use the store as a library). When I got my first offer to write a script, and I didn’t know how, I ran there at night and bought up all the books they had on screenwriting. My family has made it a destination. We’ve spent hours drinking tea, buying books, reading, hanging out. I had two readings there for two of my novels. When my husband, Jeff Tamarkin, was writing his book, Got A Revolution, he bought and ordered most of his research books there. I know the store is a mecca for parents (kids love it), and a great place to meet people.
For a city filled with writers, artists and readers, this is truly a loss. I know I can easily zip into NYC for the best bookstores in town, but I want one in my community. A city depends on its culture–something we can’t afford to lose.
I just hope some entrepreneur will start an indie here. I’ll work for them a few hours a week for free. But right now, I feel so desperate. I know there is still Symposia, but they sell used books, there’s no tea, and it just isn’t the same.
Sigh.
Caroline Leavitt
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