‘Loosing a bit of paradise'

To the editor: Warwick is losing more than just a bookstore - we are losing part of our identity. Warwick has always been a community founded by self-determination. We are part of a nation that was founded by entrepreneurs. It is stores like The Bookstore that helped strengthen our Main Street. The Bookstore fostered community learning and sharing, displayed the works of local artists, held book signings, provided a venue for the sale of books on Warwick. Where will our local authors be able to sell their books? Will they even be published? Michael McDermott is an entrepreneur in the truest sense. He has fought tremendous odds over the last eight years, facing the challenges presented by the internet and encroaching big box development. It is a shame that too many people and organizations have chosen the convenience of the Internet over supporting their community and the businesses that are run by our friends. If you have had the opportunity to visit the Bookstore over the past eight years, you would know that the service Michael provided surely exceeded that of Amazon.com or Borders. If you wanted a book he didn’t have in stock, he could get it in a manner of days at a competitive price. You also got the benefit of his personal service and knowledge. Sadly, our stores today are reduced to the term brick and mortar, when they are so much more. Our local businesses are built with blood, sweat and tears. Would it have been so difficult to wait a day or two for a good book? Our community is losing more than a store - we are losing a community leader. Michael has been a tireless worker and leader in the Merchant’s Guild. His research, hard work and diligence lead to the creation of the Warwick Independent Business Alliance. There is a sad irony that the closing of his store will hopefully strengthen the message of the organization he co-founded. As Joni Mitchell sang: “Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you have till it’s gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” We really are loosing a bit of paradise. I hope that my fellow community members take the opportunity to express their appreciation and share their good wishes with Michael as he bravely embarks on a new chapter in his life. Deborah Blomfield Warwick