Do you remember the movie "You've Got Mail"? For years, people have been coming into The Open Book and saying that it reminds them of that movie. I have always laughed and said that I hoped that I would not have to close my store because a big bookstore is coming into town. Well, it is not Barnes and Noble or Borders, but a new bookstore is coming to Westhampton Beach and it is backed by a former publisher (Jack McKeown of Perseus Book Group) with lots of contacts and resources not available to most.Westhampton Beach has always been, in my experience, a town where the merchants do their best to support each other. We try not to carry competing lines because we want to offer our summer visitors a variety. Yes, we are in competition for the limited tourist dollar, but in general, we work together so that we all may stay in business and be successful.
We are a small village that at one time supported two bookstores. Things have changed in the bookselling business and in these days of big box stores and ebooks, it is difficult for any independent bookstore to survive. I am not ashamed to admit that I am nervous and feel that my business is being threatened.
I realize that anyone can open a bookstore. I do not have the monopoly on bookselling for the village of Westhampton Beach. I also realize that just because something is legal, it does not necessarily follow that it is right.
So I am asking those of you who have visited us over the years to keep buying your books at The Open Book. Please let people know that we still have the knowledge and enthusiasm about books that have always distinguished us. Please pass the word that we are just around the corner and have every intention of staying there for as long as we can.
As always, thanks for your kindness and support
