Park Slope is home to dozens of writers, most famously Paul Auster. Yet, the neighborhood has never had a wealth of independent book stores. The Community Book Store has long been the primary flag-bearer of the literary character of the area.
Now that tiny shop on Seventh Avenue is in danger, according to a report in the New York Times. The bank that in 2001 fronted new owner Catherine Bohne a loan has begun foreclosure proceedings. To save the store, Bohne and a real estate investor named David Sweeny worked out a plan in which up to 49 percent ownership in the store is being offered to to a group of people willing to put up at least $10,000 apiece. She's netted six so far, including actor John Turturro. She needs a dozen more. I'd give her !0 grand if I had it.
The Community Book Store is one of the businesses that makes Park Slope Park Slope: over-educated, supercilious and a bit haughty yes, but also well-read, artistic, thoughtful and liberal-minded. I remember visiting the shop shortly after 9/11 and being struck by the committed, concerned conversations going on between people in the stacks. If it goes, the nabe's soul would suffer a serious blow. So, locals, if you haven't $10,000, then at least go down there and by a dozen books.
aarrggghhhh.
ReplyDeleteI moved from Park Slope 10 years ago after living there for 13 years. (Low rent sublet ran out.) The few times that I've returned for short visits have been heartbreaking. I loved the Community Bookstore, and seeing it there seemed to hold some promise of the old neighborhood intact. Barnes & Noble moved in just before I moved out. It was such a sweet community and felt so very neighborly. The people at Palma Chemists knew me by name and even delivered my meds to me at home when I was sick! The guys at Mr. Falafel would give my dog free lamb! Every time I long for NY, I long for Park Slope.
So much nostalgia for something just slipping out of existence. Perhaps I moved out just in time.
sigh.