Desiree Sanders, 41, founder and president of Chicago’s Afrocentric Bookstore, says: “The last year has not been good for us as far as customers. It is with much regret that I complete the process of closing our doors after 18 years of service to the Black community. I know by closing I am leaving a void in the Black community but the economics to stay open just aren’t there anymore.”Chicago Reader In Philadelphia, Molly’s Bookstore is selling off inventory and will close. Owner Molly Russakoff says: “The whole nature of the business changed from a laid-back, sociable job to a […]
Bookstores
Ann Nelson on Bunch of Grapes Fire
The former owner who built the Martha’s Vineyard bookstore (now run by her son) writes in the MV newspaper about her experiences on July 4th: “John said, I’m going to take you into the building, here is your flashlight. And when I walked into the building wearing that heavy fireman’s suit — so heavy and they wear it all day! — I cannot tell you, the flashbacks of 35 years. And I cannot adequately describe the heat. It was like you were at a barbecue and someone had lit the briquettes right under you. It was so hot, the ceiling […]
Fire Damages Bunch of Grapes Bookstore on Martha's Vineyard
A fire on the morning of the 4th “badly damaged” the Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven, MA, spreading from the Cafe Moxie next door. The local paper reports, “although the bookstore building stands, much of the contents was damaged by smoke and water.” MV Times