So Long Borders

Borders Books and Music has declared Chapter 11. The fact this was not unexpected is no consolation.

The Border's on Wolf Road used to be my destination at the end of every tedious trip to the mall. It was conveniently located right outside the entrance to Colonie Center. Until it closed about 2 years ago, a trip there was my reward for going shopping. Entering the bookstore, I would head straight for the well-stocked sci-fi section where I had discovered Marian Zimmer Bradley, David Weber, Elizabeth Moon, Lois McMaster Bujold, Mercedes Lackey, Anne McCaffrey, Orson Scott Card, Julian May and many, many other authors. Next I would head to the mystery section to see if Robert Parker, Rita May Brown, James Lee Burke or Jill Churchill had come out with something new. Then to the new releases and last the bargain tables.

In late December or January, my wallet always contained several generous gift cards thoughtful relatives had given me for my birthday and Christmas. My arms would struggle to contain their load of books to checkout. Then up to the cafe for a wonderful cup of coffee and something devilishly chocolate and sweet and the wonderful debate over which book I would delve into first.

I loved the smell of Borders, the way the books were arranged and displayed, the intoxicating sense of luxury those gift cards gave me. I loved the randomness of choosing a book by its cover - a system that almost always worked for me. I patronized Barnes and Noble too, but Border's was always my first choice.

I suppose the day will come when I trade in tactile satisfaction of bound books and paperbacks for a Kindle. For now, I will mourn the decline of the book superstores and the sense of endless possibility they gave me.