Homogenized Books

I was saddened to read of the Studio City movie theater’s impending closure.

I’m not only in sympathy with those who mourn the loss of yet another landmark, but converting it into a corporate-owned bookstore leaves me doubly chagrined. I have fond memories of the Clark Dennis Bookstore in Studio City that was squeezed out when Crown and then B. Dalton opened practically next door. Then there was Hunter’s in the Sherman Oaks Fashion Square, forced out when the Walden chain demanded exclusivity in that center. And remember Books, Etc. in Sherman Oaks (now LeCafe), and the Encino Book Shop, the latter eased out by another B. Dalton. Now both Daltons are also gone.

I have nothing against corporate-owned bookstores, but for personal service and knowledgeable booksellers, independent bookstores are unbeatable. Yet, in all of the Valley, virtually only Dutton’s in North Hollywood remains.

Do we really need another homogenized chain bookstore?

ROBERT N. ARNOLD

Studio City