Trying to figure out what to write. There is so much to be grateful for and so much troubling. 2020 wasn’t all that crazy in the long run. I’m closing out the year not so badly. Back in April I wasn’t sure if the store would still be open. But it is. Here I am. I have been working on this page since mid-December. Every time I sit down at my desk to finish it I find I just don’t want to type. I don’t want to express my thoughts because, frankly, I don’t have any. Crazy. I know. I don’t know what to think about this coming year. So I’m taking it day by day and will just let it be.

It’s been nice having people in. Even those who just wander in, walk around and thank me for the opportunity to connect with books. A form of some normacy. Actually they are the ones who fuel me. I recognize the store offers a comfort to those who appreciate books. Particularly, used books and their familiarity.

I am currently not buying books. Books that have come in are from very generous customers who donate them. I do not know what the future will hold. Will there be another manatory retail shutdown? I went into the first one with money set aside. I am prepared if we have to again. I won’t start to buy until I am confident the economy will bounce back. I feel my store is on edge to stay open or close entirely. I’d like to write that closing isn’t an option but then again…

I follow a business model that I have created over the fourteen years owning OCUB. It isn’t the one I orginally planned. I’ve adapted it numerous times. I like the model I currently have. I am a brick and mortar shop. My inventory can be seen inside my door. You have to come in to see what my shelves hold. I liken it to what used bookstores use to be. You know. Before the internet. Before Amazon came along and mucked up searching for books. Frankly I feel, they ruined the whole used book world. It’s all about the hunt. Hunting online is a form of cheating, right? Would OCUB be more financially secure if I sold online? Sure. Not doing so is my niche. Come inside. See what there is.

I do have news! I will be closed for three weeks in February/March. Not sure of the dates yet. I’ve missed out on little excursions to renew my soul.

Another piece of news is that this will no longer be a blog. I just can’t handle it anymore. Maybe I’ll get it back but I don’t think so. I’m going to use this page as I do for Facebook and Instagram. I’ll feature a book or two from my shelves. That takes the pressure off me. You’d be surprised how many drafts I have started but never finished. Owning a used bookstore is suppose to be fun and no pressure. Remove the pressure! Done! Anyways this blog was suppose to be a holder until I could afford to buy a database program. Guess that didn’t happen.

Thank you! Now, here’s to 2021 and well, whatever happens, we have used books.