I'm Not Dead Yet!

We are thrilled to hear that there's a second chance for Kepler's, the famous independent bookstore in Menlo Park. After an outpouring of support from bloggers, former employees, and friends around the country, and even NY Times coverage, things are taking a turn for the better. Councilmember Kelly Ferguson is organizing a rally this Tuesday, September 6th at 5 pm, outside the store, to be followed by a community organizing session at the Menlo Park City Hall. If you're in the Bay Area, please show up and make an extra-big "I Love You Kepler's" sign for us. We wish we could be there.

You can read more about the fight to save Kepler's at Rick Opaterny's blog, Save Kepler's. Clark Kepler, the owner, has also mentioned some good meetings with interested investors, and the landlords are negotiating. It looks like both the community and financial support may exist to give this particular story a happy ending.

Here's to all our California independent bookstores - may they live long and prosper! If you're wondering how to support them more, the first step is knowing where they are - and there's an extensive listing at the homepage of the Southern California Booksellers' Association.