New Mexico Mercury

Books define my life.  As a writer I read copiously and love to shop for books to read or add to my research library.  As a book artist some of my works focus on castoff books I alter into art.  That is, I take a worthless textbook and transform it into a book sculpture.  Altered Books is a popular new art genre.  This year a few of my artist books have been exhibited at the University of South Dakota, University of Puget Sound and in a Book Arts Show at the New Mexico State Capitol rotunda gallery in Santa Fe.

On a more personal note I married a bookseller who began his book career at an independent store in San Francisco’s legendary North Beach area in the 1970’s.  We met at his bookstore in Seattle’s Belltown arts district in the 1980’s.  Our wedding celebration was held at the curiously named Odd Fellows Hall that was subsequently turned into a used bookstore in upstate NY in the 1990’s.

I’ve always loved browsing in used bookstores.  Each store is as quirky as its owner.  Quite the opposite of a big box chain bookstore that has the same layout and the same limited titles in store after store and where surly clerks are discouraged from discussing or recommending books to customers because it may slow down the cash register lines.

Needless to say I love browsing.  Browse, in fact, derives from the Old French word broust, meaning a shoot or twig.  In the dictionary the secondary meaning for browse is to nibble or feed on leaves, young shoots and twigs.  As animals graze and browse a pasture for nourishment, to satisfy my hunger for knowledge and a natural sense of curiosity, I crave and browse for books.  My favorite browsing spots are typically old bookstores where untold unique treasures await.

Last but not least, my husband Gary Wilkie and I have owned and operated Acequia Booksellers in Albuquerque’s North Valley for ten years. 

To say I have books on my mind might be an understatement. 

I’m dismayed by the current state of the book business.

New Mexico has lost close to a dozen new and used bookstores since we opened shop here ten years ago.

Garden Books on Eubank closed.  Simmons & Simmons closed a few months ago.  The empty display window still faces busy Central Avenue in the Nob Hill area.   Tom Davis had a used bookstore across the street but now operates out of his house in the Del Norte district.

A Metaphysical shop, Noble Path also in Nob Hill closed over a year ago.

Some stores lose their leases.

Page One already closed Page One, Two the used bookstore warehouse across the street from the mother store which lost their lease—they’re relocating to make way for a big box grocery store.

A popular bookstore formerly on San Mateo near Academy and the Cottonwood Borders both new book retailers closed.

In Santa Fe Nicholas Potter Books on Palace Ave was a fixture for two generations of book buyers and readers.  Gary and I visited Nick during September the last week he was open.  Together we discussed the ups and downs of the booksellers market.

It is rare for a new bookstore to open.  We’re one of the newest stores in town.  The rise of the internet marketplace has been a mixed blessing.  There is stiff competition from online big box booksellers who can sell new books with deep discounts.  A disturbing trend is for whatever reason readers and book buyers tend to bypass independent stores altogether.

Farmer’s Markets urge buyers to Shop Local, Support Independent farmers and Keep the Money in the community.  This strategy works for all types of local businesses.  The popularity of e-books and readers is another trend that affects the book marketplace.  But rather than dwell on the ups and downs of the trade, I really want to pass along our deep appreciation to all our supporters. 

We have really enjoyed hosting local and national authors and playing a role in the literary community so it is with a great deal of regret and sadness that we have decided to close our store in Albuquerque’s North Valley on Jan. 18th, our last day.    If you get a moment drop by on Saturdays to check out our 50% off sale and we can fill you in on the details of our move.  As Gary writes in his newsletter, “It’s been a great ten year run and it’s been due to you and the support you have given us.  We will miss you greatly and would love to see you before we close. Come in and visit, even if it only for a moment and a warm farewell.”  To all our supporters, a big “Thank You!”

Note: Acequia Booksellers, 4019 4th St. NW, is on a reduced schedule. Open Sat. Jan. 4, Sat. Jan. 11 and Sat. Jan.18, 10:30-4:30. My husband Gary and I will be in the story only on Jan. 18th.