Grand Forks, ND is the third largest city in North Dakota. With a metropolitan population of over 97,000 and home to the University of North Dakota. However, at the end of January, Grand Forks, ND will become a city without a bookstore. According to this article in the Grand Forks Herald, there are some used bookstores and the UND bookstore carries a few new release titles, but nothing more. Starting in February, the fine residents of Grand Forks will have to drive 75 miles south to Fargo or shop online.
While it may seem like buying books online is easier and may save you a couple of dollars, imagine if you didn't even have the option of visiting a bookstore. Would you miss standing in your favorite section and running your fingers down the spine of a book? Would you miss pulling out said book and reading the dust jacket? Would you miss that one sentence that peaks your interest? Is it possible that the demise of the bookstore may just mean the demise of finding your next favorite book?
Really think about the last time you were in a bookstore... Now think about what life would be like without that bookstore.
This is what the poor people of Grand Forks are facing... I don't envy them and I hope I will never be in their shoes.
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