Barnes and Noble To Close For Good Leaving Us The Only Borough Without A Bookstore

Two years ago residents and elected officials declared a victory when Barnes and Noble negotiated a deal to stay put for another two years at Bay Plaza ©Welcome2TheBronx

The Bronx will soon have another sad fact: In a few months when Barnes and Noble at Bay Plaza closes its doors for the last time, our borough will be the ONLY one without a bookstore. 

It is beyond comprehension how a county and borough with a population of almost 1.5 million can be so severely under served by bookstores and it’s not because folks aren’t reading. 

Two years ago, thanks to Bronxite Amelia Zaino, we were able to keep it open when Barnes and Noble first announced it was closing. 

The ensuing media storm surrounding the impending loss of the borough’s only bookstore due to the landlord not wanting to renew the lease and an online petition pressured the landlord and bookstore to strike a deal but they could only agree to two years. 

Back then, inside sources revealed to us that Barnes and Noble had no intention of staying but due to the public pressure and potential public relations nightmare, they stayed put. 

So where do we go from here? 

We have a greater urgency to support local Bronxites such as Noëlle Santos and her mission to make The Lit. Bar, the independent bookstore she is seeking to open in our borough, a reality. 

The Bronx reads, we write, we learn and its incumbent upon us to support the next business that will fill the void left by fleeing bookstores. 

- Advertisement -Newspaper WordPress Theme

Latest news

Soundview Ferry Route to Expand, Linking The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Rockaways in NYC Ferry Overhaul

Since before NYC Ferry first launched its Soundview route in 2017 connecting The Bronx to Manhattan by water, Welcome2TheBronx has been vocally advocating for...

Construction begins on the tallest building at The Hub

Construction has finally begun on the final phase of one of the largest developments in The Bronx after years of delays. Building E, at the...

Attorney General Letitia James Strikes Deal With Bally’s to Save Preston High School

In a victory for the Throggs Neck community, New York Attorney General Letitia James has stepped in to secure the future of Preston High...

Soundview Ferry Route to Expand, Linking The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Rockaways in NYC Ferry Overhaul

Since before NYC Ferry first launched its Soundview route in 2017 connecting The Bronx to Manhattan by water, Welcome2TheBronx has been vocally advocating for...

Construction begins on the tallest building at The Hub

Construction has finally begun on the final phase of one of the largest developments in The Bronx after years of delays. Building E, at the...

Attorney General Letitia James Strikes Deal With Bally’s to Save Preston High School

In a victory for the Throggs Neck community, New York Attorney General Letitia James has stepped in to secure the future of Preston High...