Recently, we have sadly witnessed the permanent closure of several beloved bookstores. This means that these special places where people could find books, knowledge, and a sense of community have closed down forever. There are different reasons why this has happened, and it's important to understand the impact it has on our society. We need partnerships and actions from individuals to keep bookstores alive. In this blog post, we will explore the reality of bookstores closing permanently, the reasons behind it, the effect it has on our communities, and what we can do to support bookstores.
WHY BOOKSTORES DECIDED TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY
■Declining sales and revenue: If a bookstore's sales keep going down for a long time, it may not make enough money to cover its costs like rent, bills, paying employees, and buying new books.
■High operating costs: Running a bookstore can be expensive. There are many costs involved, like rent for the store, paying for utilities (like electricity and water), getting insurance, and buying new books. If these costs are too high, especially in areas where rent is expensive or the store doesn't make enough money, it can be really hard for the bookstore to keep running.
■Competition from online sellers: Online retailers are making it tough for physical bookstores. Online sellers often have lower prices, a bigger selection of books, and they can deliver books right to people's homes. This makes it hard for physical bookstores to compete and sell enough books.
■Changing reading habits: The way people read is changing. More people are reading e-books or listening to audiobooks instead of buying physical books. This means fewer people visit bookstores, which can lead to fewer sales. Also, what people want to read can change over time. If a bookstore doesn't have the books people want, they might not shop there anymore.
■Economic problems or unexpected events: Sometimes, things happen that are out of a bookstore's control. Economic problems, like a recession, or unexpected events, like a pandemic, can make it really difficult for a bookstore to survive. When people have less money to spend or can't visit the store because of something like a lockdown, it can be tough for the bookstore to keep going.
IMPACTS OF BOOKSTORES PERMANENT CLOSING
■Loss of a place for culture and learning: Bookstores are like special places where people who love books, knowledge, and ideas can come together. When a bookstore closes, it means that there is no longer a physical space for people to meet, talk, attend events, and feel a sense of togetherness.
■Less access to books and reading materials: Bookstores are important because they have a wide range of books and reading materials for everyone to enjoy. When a bookstore closes, it means there are fewer options for finding and getting different books in the community. This can be a problem, especially for people who relied on the bookstore to discover new books, explore different types of stories, or find specific kinds of books.
■Impact on local writers and publishers: Bookstores are important for local writers and publishers because they provide a platform for them to share their work with readers. When a bookstore closes, it becomes harder for local writers and publishers to get their books out there and connect with readers. This can make it challenging for them to get the recognition and support they need to continue creating.
■Job losses and less money for businesses: When a bookstore closes, the people who worked there lose their jobs. This can make it difficult for them to make a living and support themselves and their families. Additionally, the closure of a bookstore can also affect other businesses nearby that relied on customers coming to the bookstore. When there are fewer people visiting the area, it can lead to less money being spent in the community, affecting the local economy and job opportunities.
COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS TO SUSTAIN BOOKSTORES
■Bookstores and the local government: Bookstores can team up with local government agencies to access funding-related services. They can work together on projects like community reading programs, campaigns to promote literacy, or efforts to revitalize bookstores. By joining forces, bookstores can get financial help and benefit from policies and programs that support local businesses.
■Bookstores and educational institutions: Bookstores can collaborate with schools, colleges, and universities for the benefit of both parties. They can offer student discounts, host visits by authors, or provide lists of recommended books. Educational institutions can also refer students, teachers, and parents to bookstores for textbooks, academic resources, and books for fun reading.
■Libraries and bookstores: Libraries and bookstores share a common goal of encouraging reading and literacy. They can work together by organizing joint programs, sharing resources, and promoting each other. Bookstores can recommend customers to visit libraries for more books or library services, while libraries can suggest bookstores for purchasing books. Libraries can also provide space for bookstores to hold events with authors or book clubs.
■Bookstores and local authors: Bookstores can build relationships with authors in their community by hosting book launches, author signings, or panel discussions. This collaboration is beneficial for both the bookstore and the local authors. Bookstores attract more customers and sales, while authors gain exposure and support from the bookstore's customers. Bookstores can even have a special section dedicated to local authors to showcase their work.
■Bookstores and local businesses: Collaborating with local businesses can be mutually beneficial. Cafes or restaurants can provide space for bookstores to hold literary events, and bookstores can promote these places as cozy spots to read. Other local businesses like gift shops or boutiques can work with bookstores to create products related to books or offer special deals together.
WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP
■Shop at local bookstores: Make an effort to visit and buy from your local bookstores. By doing this, you help them stay open and grow.
■Tell others about your favorite bookstores: Share your positive experiences with other people both directly and through social medias. Talk about the books you found and recommend specific authors. By spreading the word, you can generate interest and encourage more people to visit bookstores.
■Attend bookstore events: Join author readings, book clubs, and workshops organized by bookstores. Support local authors by attending their signings. Your participation not only enriches your own reading experience but also contributes to the success of the bookstore.
■Join a book club: Book club can help us finding new books. For example, when I participated in Neverland Bookclub reading challenge, I finally got the chance to read The War That Saved My Life and Na Willa which both of their physical copies were bought in nearby bookstores.
■Engage on social media: Follow and interact with local bookstores on social media. Like, comment, and share their posts to help them reach more people. Social media is a powerful tool for promoting bookstores and connecting with fellow book lovers.
CONCLUSION
The permanent closure of bookstores is a disheartening reality that affects our communities and the literary world as a whole. We have explored the various reasons behind these closures, including declining sales, high operating costs, competition from online retailers, and changing reading habits. The impact is significant, as we lose cultural and intellectual hubs, access to diverse reading materials, and economic opportunities. However, there is hope. By forging partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, and local businesses, we can work towards sustaining physical bookstores. These partnerships can involve financial support, collaborative initiatives, and advocacy for the importance of bookstores. Additionally, as individuals, we can play a vital role by visiting local bookstores, spreading the word, attending events, joining book clubs, and engaging on social media. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the love for books, the joy of browsing through physical shelves, and the invaluable cultural spaces of bookstores continue to thrive in our communities for generations to come.
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