Having your book and reading it too

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If you thought Pacific Palisades was some unpatriotic Westside enclave, think again. Remember, this is the town that throws quite a Fourth of July parade every year. And just in time for Christmas shopping, under a picture of Uncle Sam, finger wagging, is the plea: ‘Village Books needs you!’

This scrappy independent store admits the fact that it is losing the battle against on-line shopping, big-box discounters, increasing rent and ‘a half-empty street,’ as it implores bibliophiles to get out and shop local this weekend. ‘Let us help you help us,’ the plea reads.

As an aficionada of local bookstores, I can’t help but root for the good folks at Village Books, which has been open for a decade, and I can’t help wondering why we treat such retailers as if they are creatures apart. They are more than just businesses, in our minds--they are community treasures, something to be cherished.

Well, guess what? Local bookstores are businesses. They need to pay rent. And salaries. And expenses. So if you love the idea of a local bookstore, pick one to shop at. And shop there. Smell the books. Soak up the literariness of it all. Sure, it might not have the selection of a bigger store, maybe not all the discounts, but the booksellers are almost always there with a helpful suggestion for a good read: They’ll order any book you want and probably have it ready for you in a day or two.

You love the ease of Amazon? Or the vastness of Borders? Well, then, put your money there but stop bemoaning the demise of the local store. And we should stop pulling at the heartstrings of the reading public every time a store hits hard times. Either shop there or stop your fussing.

Orli Low