The closing of bookstores in Toronto, as in many other cities and towns, is almost of epidemic proportions, so it was no surprise to me when I read this headline minutes ago...
Book City’s flagship Annex store to close after almost 40 years
"Do I really want to read this?" I did and understood the reasons -- often rationally practical -- why Book City owner Frans Donker wants to call it quits with the Annex store's location (501 Bloor St. W.) nearing the end of its lease.
The good news is there are still three other Book City locations in Toronto, managed by Donker's son Ian; but, to me, the Annex one is special -- in addition it was the small chain's flagship store. For years, decades even, I've made regular trips there and have bought more than a few books. And I find it interesting that I remember which books on my shelf came from that shop (including "The Destruction of the Bismarck", by David J. Bercuson and Holger H. Herwig), and also the fact that that Book City's interior paint scheme -- mellow yellow -- has not changed at all in years... but in a good way.
It has character.
I'm sure we'll get yet another sushi place once the Annex Book City closes its doors.
I love sushi; but....
The Toronto Star article...
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/01/16/book_citys_flagship_annex_store_to_close_after_almost_40_years.html
2 comments:
That's terrible news. The Book City (managed by a one-time contributor to ESR) in my area closed a couple of years ago. With this closure, and World's Biggest this year, more signs that the things we loved about Toronto are disappearing, replaced by a cold, homogeneous gentrified piece of nothing.
Well said!
The coming closure of World's Biggest Bookstore is plain ol' depressing.
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