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A Book Wake for Vertigo Books
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Vertigo Books family
I am extremely disappointed to have to report on yet another independent bookstore closing its doors. After Olsson’s filed for bankruptcy last fall, I didn’t think my heart could take another casualty. But here it is: Vertigo Books, a Dupont and then College Park institution, is shutting its doors on April 25th after 18 years.
Owners Bridget Warren and Todd Stewart worked hard to provide an expertly edited selection of reading material, and worked even harder to forge deep relationships with their community. It was recently rated a very close second best independent bookstore by the Washington City Paper. That makes their reason for closing even more heartbreaking: “basically, not enough people buy books here.”
Despite a loyal following, they just couldn’t keep up with imposing big box retailers and online outfits like Amazon.com. And they argue quite convincingly that the loss of yet another independent local shop will hurt us all in more ways than one: Not only have we lost a great bookstore, but we’ve lost the local cash flow and community-enriching tax dollars that came with it.
So I hope this article makes you sad. Even better, I hope it makes you get out to explore your hood. Find a cool store, get to know the owners, and buy something damnit.
If you’d like to mourn the loss of Vertigo, join them tomorrow for a Book Wake and Potluck:
When: Saturday 4/18, 5 p.m.
Where: 7346 Baltimore Ave., College Park (301-779-9300)
What: Bring food, get discounts on remaining inventory
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