Avid readers who frequent the B. Dalton bookstore in the mall are reacting to the store’s closure in January.

It’s Laredo’s only bookstore and when it closes, book buyers will be left with making purchases at local retailers with much smaller selections.

"It's unfortunate that B. Dalton’s has been around for years and to lose such a business like that it's going to have a big impact on Laredo."

Since it’s a decision handed down by the store's corporate office, nothing can be done to save the store. So the city, along with other community organizations, are banding together to bring another place book lovers can call home.

"We want to have a sustain campaign so that the community can stay involved and we can get the large chain bookstore to recognize what a value it would be to have a bookstore in Laredo."

People who have been coming to B. Dalton over the years say they can't believe they're seeing it go but understand that it's a business and it's a shame they don’t have the clientele they need frequenting the store to keep their doors open:

"Unfortunately the business is going south. People don’t read as much as they should read and it's pretty terrible."

"We like to buy books, so she can pass them to someone else; especially friends, so I think it is necessary to have a bookstore."

"I’m starting to read now, and I like to keep my books, and I want to come back and get some more."

"It’s pretty much the only large scale selection bookstore that we have here in Laredo."

"Now I gotta travel 150 miles to the nearest bookstore and that is going to put a dent in your wallet."

Barnes and Noble has decided to close all B. Dalton bookstores nationwide. Laredo's store will remain open through the holidays and is expected to officially close the first week of January.