Next weekend our local Waldenbooks will close its doors for good. I knew it was probable it would get the ax — so many Waldenbook stores have been closed the past few years thanks to the economy and the huge shake up at Borders.

The Borders closings have been numerous across the US.

But this closing hits hard. It’s the only full service bookstore we have, and it holds very fond memories for me.

I started buying books there when I was in high school. I feed my monstrous reading habit through that store. I bought a good deal of my research books through there. And I had signings of my first two Western romance novels there.

No more.

I hate to think where the bookstore closings will end, but I hope that its soon. (Like yesterday would be it for years and years.)

So here’s my thanks to Brenda and crew for all the hard work they did keeping our store alive as long as possible. You all made my signings very special.

I wish each of you the best.