Commodities

To the editor: The news of The Bookstore, or better known as Michael’s Bookstore, closing has been received with sadness by many. The emotion felt is because a small business, and especially a book store, becomes entwined in our lives, like family. We anticipate businesses we like to remain forever and it’s frustrating, defeating, to see one leave. Michael brought a great deal to us through his business and his presence on our Main Street. Books were the commodity, but the other aspects - service, trust, kindness, a good ear, sensible advice and wonderful idealism in the wake of world pessimism - were always available and presented with unerring thoughtfulness. I share a similar history with Michael. We both grew up here, left for education and worldly experience, returned, and opened businesses. Among the range of choices, deciding to open a small business in a small town might be on the romantic, some would say foolish, end of the business Richter Scale. But for a native son the challenge is compelling. I was so grateful when Michael opened his store, not only for myself, but also for my son, Henry. Our many visits to The Bookstore were not only great for a little boy’s socialization, but also those visits planted the seed of respect and love for books. When I told Henry that our friend Michael was closing his store, in the unfiltered emotion of a six-year-old, he cried. He understood all that it meant. Michael Newhard Mayor, Village of Warwick