Cody's closing for good

Ugh. I just saw this:

“After 52 years, Cody’s Books will shut its doors effective June 20, 2008. The Berkeley bookstore has been a beacon to readers and writers throughout the nation and across the world. Founded by Fred and Pat Cody in 1956, Cody’s has been a Berkeley institution and a pioneer in the book business, helping to establish such innovations as quality paperbacks and in-store author readings. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Cody’s was a landmark of the Free Speech movement and was a home away from home for innumerable authors, poets and readers.”

I’ve had it with this damned emotional roller coaster:

• Cody’s Books in in Berkeley, California, used to be my favorite bookstore. They shut down their flagship Telegraph store in May 2006. I was very deeply affected.
• They shut down their downtown San Francisco store in 2007, eighteen months after they opened it, leaving the out-of-the-way 4th Street location as the only remaining Cody’s store. I was disappointed, but learned to deal, still making it out to readings when I could.
• This March, I was worried when I started hearing rumors that Cody’s was being forced out of their 4th Street location; they were true, but Cody’s bounced back, moving into a beautiful location in downtown Berkeley. I was delighted; Cody’s was back home again, and all was well with the world.
• And now this, the final closure of the store mere weeks after they moved into their new downtown digs.

I have compassion fatigue. I’m emotionally exhausted, sick and tired of being sick and tired about this bookstore I used to love. Goodbye, Cody’s. I’ll miss you like crazy. Please, no more medical heroics—just shut down with dignity, and let’s hope those wonderful booksellers can find reasonable jobs someplace else.

More:

• “Cody’s, landmark Berkeley bookstore, closes” (San Francisco Chronicle)
• “Cody’s closes, itty bitty book light in heaven goes out” (San Francisco Bay Guardian)
• “Cody’s Books Closes After 52 Years in Berkeley” (Berkeley Daily Planet)

Posted by Anirvan

Comments

[prying1]

Anirvan - At least you have the memories that you listed on the previous posting. I guess you can say the roller coaster ride is coming to an end. Entering the station and a voice says, "Exit to the right please! All passengers must get off the ride."

It seems that if it is not one thing it is another. South of you, in the City of Long Beach, CA, eminent domain has forced Acres of Books to seek a new location. With the upgraded code enforcement and guidelines it will loose the 'grandfathered in' ambiance of towering shelves and aisles that cause people to violate one another's space.

Not that people minded having their space violated because it was sure to be another book lover...

At least we can still leave this world simply by opening the covers of a book. They haven't taken that away from us.

~~

[Jordan 1]

ah i loved reading that post! sounds gorgeous, can't wait until tomorrow!

[cheap ugg boots]

Ask me no questions and I will tell you no lies.

[Supra Shoes]

Your English is damn good!

[chaussure de basket]

All for one, one for all.*

[Air Jordan Shoes]

Thanks for the tips Jeff! My cousins suggested the same thing, but I've yet to locate a FP in decent shape. Then again 200 RMB isn't all that much when converted to USD. Just don't want to start racking up bikes when one quality unit would do.

[louis vuitton]

nice great idea... You catches my attention..I will be great to know more from you..