B. Dalton is the only bookstore in Laredo, Texas (pop. 230,000)... and it's scheduled to close in a couple weeks as part of owner Barnes & Noble's plan to shut down the entire chain. Kids in town are having none of it. They have joined with other residents and community leaders to persuade Barnes & Noble to save the store ... or at least to persuade another bookstore to open up shop in this passionate city.
More than a hundred school children have written letters to Barnes & Noble executives.
"I have been going since I was in kindergarten. My mom always took me there, every single day," wrote Esmaralda.
From David: "I am on my knees begging."
The city council is expected to pass a resolution Monday proclaiming that Laredo needs a bookstore. State lawmakers have promised to write letters. A "Save Laredo's Bookstore" page on Facebook has 530 members and a city committee is circulating petitions.
The theme of their campaign: Laredo Reads.
It rings true, because despite the poverty and illiteracy and low levels of education, many in Laredo are passionate about books -- and for that, they often credit their lone bookstore.
Ms. Benavides watches for titles that might interest reluctant readers, calls local teachers with recommendations and orders audio books for adults who struggle to read English.
Victoria Ortega, an art teacher, said her three children ask for B. Dalton gift cards for their birthdays. Browsing the store, she said, is an outing, an adventure -- and one that shopping online can't replicate. "We hang out there," she said.
See image of the kids, their letters, and the bookstore here.
Thanks to @JHammons for the tip.
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