Didn't plan it but found myself at Borders on the first day of their Going Out of Business sale. Needed a journal, and were close to the mall so we followed the crowd into the mall. The coffee shop was already closed and with the yellow GOB signs everywhere, it was obvious that this was really going to happen.
Unlike newspapers, seeing a bookstore close makes me sad. I understand that the world is moving toward ebooks but in my heart of hearts, expected paper books to be around for a long time. They say that Borders didn't get on the ereader bandwagon fast enough. Amazon, Barnes an dNoble saw the handwriting on the wall and moved quickly, Borders did not.
As we headed for the journal section, the graffiti on the shelves was up front and personal. Scribbled on every square piece of metal shelving that didn't have a book, it looked like every high school yearbook I have ever seen. Could have understood it if it had to do with the loss of reading or the love of books but this was names, phone numbers and non-sensical words.
Borders, we will miss you. Hope all your employees find new employment soon. RIP.
