Finally Found Books Closing in Black Diamond

Are independent, local booksellers still needed in today’s digital and big-box age?

That’s a question that Finally Found Books posed to readers in a recent post on its Facebook page, announcing it is closing up shop in Black Diamond.

The store will close July 14 and reopen Aug. 20 in Auburn, a larger market.

In the post, owner Todd Hulbert mulled over the future of stores such as his:

“I proposed the question to our newsletter subscribers a few weeks ago; Should we move or should we close, and is there still a need for locally owned independent bookstores? What would the world look like if they are all gone? Kent, Columbia City, Issaquah, and soon to be Black Diamond, all lost theirs this year, which city is next?

“What about the Authors who rely on booksellers to push great new titles through recommendations, readings, and book signings? Need us not forget the public, who would no longer have the ability to browse through tens of thousands of new, rare and out of print titles, or have a great gathering and social location. Do we rely on the book buyers at Costco, Wal Mart, Target and Barnes and Noble to dictate what should be available, or the next bestseller?"

Is there still a place for local, independent bookstores? Or do you find everything you need online or at large chains? Tell us in the comments.