philly

Lady forwarded me a story from Philly.com a couple of days ago that really made me sad. My heart has grown somewhat numb over the years as a result of many things – a general tough skin needed to survive; heartbreak; betrayal; cynicism; shortcomings of those I once respected. It wasn't a story about a death or idiocy by the current administration or fuckup by SEPTA. It was the announcement that my favorite bookstore, Robin's Bookstore is closing its doors for good.

I've been shopping there since I moved to Philly 5+ years ago. I love that place. That place is not just a brick and mortar warehouse schlepping books off at discount prices and then ripping the covers off of books that don't sell and trashing them instead of giving the books to charity. Robin's has a heart. It has a face (or several if you take the time to look at the beautiful mosaic outside). The store creaks. The shelves bend. The aisles are narrow. The owner smiles.

I was very sad when their Rittenhouse location closed. I was worried when I saw the sign in the window of the 13th St location advertising the children's section up for rent a couple months ago. I hated to think of somebody moving in there and the kid's books shoved in a corner, not for lack of care, but for lack of space. I feared the worst would come next, but I, for once, was silently optimistic. I really thought Robin's would pull through this shitty time. During this perfect storm of downturn-turned-recession, big box store and internet sales. But it won't.

I wanted to purchase Zoe Strauss's book [America] there, but they ran out so I bought it in person at her book signing. I dread having to walk into B&N to purchase a book when the time comes. I know there are still a few indy bookstores in town, but Robin's was my indy bookstore of choice.

I'll be taking a stroll through the first aisle in the days to come and remember the fun I had in there going through magazines and odd books. The readings and showings I went to. The cut-in-half playing cards they'd give me for my collection of bags I'd drop off at the counter. It'll be lights out 3 days before my 29th birthday, what a shitty gift. Get there before January 31st. Say goodbye to Robin's Books.

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