Laredo's lone bookstore to close
By
Ray Gomez
Story Created:
Nov 2, 2009
Story Updated:
Nov 3, 2009
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.
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .
kid said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 12:34 AM
Pretty much the only? It IS the only one. Sad to hear that its closing. I hope that Barnes and Noble (singular not plural) open a store here sometime soon. It wouldnt be a bad idea to combine it with a Starbucks or locally owned coffee shop (r.i.p. Espumas)
31497049grandpa said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 4:00 AM
Maybe the book readers haven't heard of the little thing called the Internet.
31500161Santos said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 9:33 AM
Maybe the 8 liner owners can open one with all the money they make on illegal gambling. Then their city council camaradas can change the zoning to allow the bookstore to operate along side the 8liners. This is Laredo...it's very possible.
31509476Sooo sad said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 10:14 AM
I blame the city for its illiteracy. Major bookstores were suppose to have been here since the dawn of time. What annoys me the most is that bookstores base it on population (mostly over 500,000 people). We're 200, but we cater to Mexico, which automatically makes it to the mark. Book chains don't know this because they're interested in obvious markets. This is where the city should do something. A snow park? My goodness, talk about being depleted. We're becoming zombies. I must take a breather.
31512129Lee said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 10:37 AM
Why is it always the City's fault? Sooo & Santos, stop barking and do something about it! It's not the end of the world! The world is changing, you don't need a book store to read! technology has given us the ability to read any book, whenever we want. Soo take a breather and don't exhale! And yes, this is Laredo, everything is POSSIBLE, even a SNOW PARK!
31513644Pompan, MSE said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 11:59 AM
Are people seriously defending the closing of the only bookstore in town? Sure there's kindles and e-books, but those cater to the younger demographic and not the entire public. They should definitely open up another one before the city ends up back in the dark ages.
31518676Sooo Sad said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 12:44 PM
Lee, I don't have to do "something about it". That's why they're there. They're representatives that work for me, for my wants and needs otherwise I would do something. I guess a snow park would be nice, waste some time, sure. I prefer books, and I like hardcopies rather than handheld items. It's personal, private. It is the city's fault. It keeps its community ignorant; a marketing tool for re-election. Snow Park? Everything's possible. It seems you love being fooled. Ain't gonna happen though.
31521591RGV resident said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 1:04 PM
In Mcallen we have two Barnes and Noble bookstores. I can't believe Laredo doesn't have not even one. Hopefully you can get one build. Good luck.
31522941Sooo Sad said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 1:52 PM
RGV, thanks for that. It seems Laredoans aren't that worried. I'm glad someone outside Laredo knows our situation. I'm hoping Mexicans will petition along with us for a bookstore (they brag about discounts and leave trash behind when going back to their country). It's the least they could do.
31525801Lee said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 2:23 PM
Soo Sad...your name fits you! Your the community too, just because you elect someone, does not mean you sit in you "a" and open up a book and do nothing about your community. Get involved human! Nobody fools no one, unless you are so ignorant and can't read whats behind what the City folks do. I guess your too lazy to get up and get involved like everyone less that complaints in this blog. God bless you all!
31527579Lee said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 2:29 PM
Soo Sad....never say never!
31527984UnitedLonghorn said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 2:59 PM
That really sucks... I guess we're gonna have to start buying online. I thought McAllen had 1, but no they have 2, and Laredo's lone bookstore is closing, unbelievable! I think our city should start offering incentives for businesses to invest here in Laredo, our population is way larger than the estimated 250,000.
31529639Santos said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 5:29 PM
Lee is why Laredo never progresses, always putting down those who voice concerns. Maybe he is on the city council!
31537861Shocked said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 5:44 PM
Laredoans can read?Books I suppose most books are written in English,so there is really nothing a person from Laredo could buy to read.
31538586Bookworm said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 11:54 PM
Barnes & Noble are closing all their Dalton Bookstores in the United States, including Laredo. That's a shame because we are left without a bookstore.
31554181Gato Bonito said on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 5:48 AM
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to go in business in Laredo. Does any one knows an investor or entreprenour?? maybe you the one that is reading this is time to have your own business.
31559569Lee said on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 1:50 PM
Wrong on both counts Santos, it's people like you that are always pointed out the NEGATIVE side of Laredo, when you voice your concerns. Yet you do nothing POSITIVE about it. Imagine what Laredo could be, if everyone, including yourself did think POSITIVE and did something about it.
31587549Hello said on Thursday, Nov 5 at 5:24 PM
Yup, all Daltons in the nation are closing. And isn't it better to point out the negative from Laredo? What positives are there? I ask Lee this. I mean, one states their opinions in the hopes that something will be done. Anyone that is blogging for this issue has to be angry (I am). They're closing the only bookstore, and it appears that city is not doing anything. That ordinary people who are petitioning is great but the city's govt. should have access to sources and such. Why is Lee so stupid.
31659559Mrs. M said on Thursday, Nov 5 at 6:53 PM
It is unbelievable that a city of our size and population will no longer have a bookstore. Of course, Barnes & Noble is not interested in opening up one of their stores here. Our citizens are too much into the drug culture to care about any other type of culture. We have city leaders who demonstrate the intelligence of single-celled organisms telling equally clueless and gullible citizens they will build a snow park. Our city suffers from a bad reputation.
31664006wendy said on Monday, Dec 7 at 7:53 PM
PLEASE WE NEED THAT BOOKSTORE SO WE CAN READ MORE
33267552Add a comment
Most Popular