Nope. Don't go to libraries, either. A confluence of things such as the iPad and Amazon have made both book stores and libraries completely obsolete. Thankfully, our local government will no doubt waste more of our tax dollars on libraries.

One thought I had while I was writing this post: I used to hang out in the Georgetown Barnes & Noble a lot when I was an intern in D.C. in the early 2000s. When I went back there recently, I noticed it was gone, and then I read about its closing here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-buzz/post/georgetown-barnes-and-noble-to-close-by-end-of-2011/2011/08/29/gIQAN8bQnJ_blog.html

I'll be interested to see how things shake out...

Only at discount stores like BAM. Instant gratification on a sale item is nice once in a while. I shop and buy books mostly on Amazon though. Someday we will all have e-readers on the smartphones or tablets. Unfortunately, it's inevitable that most storefronts will just become "showrooms" for Amazon eventually. If the prices are right and the experience is not depressing perhaps that won't be so bad?

Oh H.R. Pufnstuf, the library is so important to me because the books are FREE! I really can't afford the purchase price of the quantity of books I read. When my daughter was little we would come home from the library with tote bags full of expensive hardback children's picture books. I still mourn the loss of Border's and would really miss browsing in B&N. I'm a little sad to see all the toys in B&N instead of books, but understand they need to try different strategies to stay in business.

I did a lot of holiday shopping at B&N and take my kid their often to read, play and have a snack. Most of my friends kids have enough toys so we buy them books or one of the science experiment toys, which are great learning tools and the kids love. I think it's important for young kids to hold a book in their hands instead of using a tablet.

I agree. Dadelous is also a great bookstore

One of the great things about our society is that we provide everyone the opportunity to read, even if they can't afford books. I hope that doesn't change. What will need to change for bookstores and libraries alike is the operating model. Libraries are already catching on -they are community centers, not just lending libraries. Bookstores - pay attention.

I need lilbraries for certain types of books. I also need used-book stores and bookstores. I am still reeling from the closing of Borders and B/N has a parking problem (E. City). I use Amazon and a specialty site to see what's new. I suppose reviewing about 50 books a year gently requires me to use all sources. I also have authors and publishers send me books for review. OTOH, libraries are more like media centers than bookhomes nowaday and some (in schools) are even called that! And, finally, I disagree that libraries are quiet - I have even had to ask librarians to lower their voice!

NA

We go to the library every week or so. Bookstores maybe once a month. If you have a Kindle Baltimore County allows you to download books for free. Why buy them?

We get it Pufnstuf, you don't like libraries. Wow! Can not believe you think that exposure to books/literature/knowledge is a waste of time and resources. Happy to hear that you have enough personal resources to purchase and read the millions of publications out there. Maybe you could broaden your horizons by visiting a library once in a while, the internet does not have all the answers.
That said I couldn't agree more that children need to be exposed to books as much as possible and libraries offer a diverse selection to do so!

What does exposing your children to the library/books have to do with being a deadbeat or not being able to afford to raise a child??? If you think that is majority of people borrowing books, I suggest you visit your local library and look around. Since you have no issues throwing out insults, I truly hope you are not a parent with your narrow minded views.

It is not just about the kids which you seem to be hung up on. Enjoy your broken record.

I never did either, Mr Logic...Your repeated scholarly quote of "It's for the childrenz!" could have fooled me....

At big name bookstores I always went right to the bargain bins. Daedalus and Second Edition are where I go. Library not so much. They usually don't have what I want. They have given over too much space to computers and DVDs for the indigent in our community. Subsequently it's no longer quiet nor pleasant to be in there. Welfare.

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Barnes and Nobles needs to expand their coffee shop and turn their facilities into coffee and dessert stores with books as a side business. Look at Starbucks, people go there to get there coffee, wifi, and to sit and read. Barnes and Nobles needs to fit the gap of providing people a place to come and read, while they drink Barnes and Noble coffee and eat their desserts. Starbucks really does not have space to accommodate all the people who want to drink coffee, but don't want to run out of the store once they pay for their drink. Be better than Starbucks, I say.

Yes, I still shop in bookstores. Many books and magazines I'm interested in are not available electronically. Even though I am handicapped and cannot walk well, I still go into Barnes and Noble in Ellicott City on a regular basis as well as going to stores that sell books and magazines along with their other merchandise. I also have a PhD. and that may account for my habits!