The Book Exchange, aka The Book Ex, a “downtown Durham, NC institution,” will close after 75 years in business. Co-owner Fran Feinberg says, “It’s a terrible loss to the community. It’s not a decision we made lightly. If we thought we could make it we would, but I don’t see that happening. I guess the writing is on the wall.” Feinberg adds, “It’s becoming harder and harder to make a profit,” Feinberg said. “You’re working with a very small profit margin and then you’re looking at a very bad economy.”News Observer