Musing Mondays

Question*:

In these last few days before Christmas, I'm sure there are plenty of us scrambling to get our last minute shopping done. Are you buying any books for friends or family (or even yourself)? Do you expect to recieve any bookish gifts from others - books, or book-related?

When I was out with my husband yesterday I thought of a book to give him for Christmas. We're getting ready to go to southern California to visit my mother-in-law and extended family so I hope to sneak out today and pick up this book from the bookstore. My mother-in-law used to have a habit of reading in bed each night, so I'm going to see if that's still the case. If it is, I'll find out where she buys her books and slip off and get her a gift card. I don't expect to receive any books this Christmas.

This emphasis on buying and receiving books for the holidays is great. As a former independent bookstore owner I can assure you that reports of this being a critical year for bookstores and publishers are not exaggerations. In a normal year, sales during November and December pretty much carry the store for the entire year. If you decide to buys books, please purchase them locally whether they are new or used and not through the internet such as and especially Amazon. When you spend your money locally, you are supporting your entire community. I don't know about you, but I would feel a tremendous loss if my town's Main Street became a collection of dollar stores and thrift shops. If we use the power of our shopping choices we will be able to give our community the support it needs to weather the current economic crisis.

* [Monday Musings brought to you via Just One More Page.]