Borders Bookstores Prepare to Close

Tuesday, July 19, was an ordinary day in the National City Borders store. Customers at the Westfield Plaza Bonita location were browsing, studying, and drinking coffee. When asked, few people realized that the Borders chain had gone into bankruptcy and that all the stores will soon be shutting their doors.

I asked the manager of the bookstore how many people would lose their jobs and how she thought the closure of Borders would affect the book industry. The manager could only confirm that the store was closing; as for the date of closure and the number of people who will lose their jobs, she said she had been directed not to speak to the press.

National Public Radio has reported that 399 stores will close nationwide and 10,700 people will lose their jobs. Publishers have also said fewer books will be printed due to less bookshelf space.