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Barnes & Noble Books in Tyler Has Really Changed

June 13th, 2013

Barnes and Nobles EarnsI remember when Barnes and Noble books finally opened in Tyler almost twenty years ago. I remember so clearly because to this point, Tyler had lacked the kind of meeting place / bookstore that I had enjoyed in larger cities; so of course, when the giant bookseller set up shop, I was among the first to sign on. I worked there a couple of years, putting a good chunk of my paycheck back into the business. I remember working a lot of late hours and the occasional early morning, and while there where ups and downs to working at the retail store, my memories are largely good ones. Barnes and Noble did a lot for Tyler. The bookstore / Starbucks Cafe became the place to be on Friday nights, when the store featured live music, specifically the Celtic music group “Beyond the Pale.” I don’t know what happened to the band, but I know every time they played, it was to a packed house. These and other music and cultural events made Barnes and Noble a great Tyler business, and meet up location.

 

About the same time that Tyler was getting its first large bookstore, an oddly named online bookseller was just starting out. Amazon.com (which is located primarily in Seattle as opposed to its namesake in South America) was a cool new way to locate books that were otherwise hard to find. And it let the customer search its database for himself. However, it didn’t offer the immediate gratification or the social venue, of its more conventional competitor.

 

How things have changed! Amazon is of course a household name, and with the advent and availability of the “Kindle” e-readers, gratification can be instantaneous. A few years ago, I read an article predicting that the next generation would grow up without book stores, at least as a location. It predicted that conventional booksellers wouldn’t last another ten years. Sadly, the article may be correct. Barnes and Noble has obviously recognized the trend and has tried to stem the profit loss by introducing their own online store and e-reader in the “Nook,” which seems to be a fine product but lacks the broad success of the Kindle.

 

All of this is of course old news but it begs the question: What does it mean for Barnes and Noble in Tyler? I’ve visited the store in recent weeks and have been forced to recognize that it’s changing fast. The store is becoming an odd mixture of electronic device, and high end toy and game retailer. Of course they still have books! But clearly more and more of the store’s real estate is being taken up by puzzles and stuffed toys. And honestly, I’m part of the problem. I love my Kindle. More often than not I opt for the download option, rather than the drive to the bookstore. Ultimately, I think Tyler’s B&N will be around for a few more years at least. But I’m afraid it will become more and more like a large Starbucks / study hall, than the great old bookstore I remember.

Author and illustrater book author holding first book signing in Tyler at The Scroll

November 15th, 2010
Scroll Bookstore Tyler Texas

Book Signing at Scroll Book Store

“Dasi Makes a Difference” is a newly released children’s book written by first time author Elizabeth Earle and first time illustrated. Linda Frazier, both of Tyler. It is an inspiring story of a little lamb that belongs to the inn keeper in Bethlehem.

With the help of Jake the donkey ( whom Mary rode to Bethlehem) Dasi is able to help with a miracle. We are having our first book signing in Tyler at “The Scroll Christian Bookstore.”

Jericho Books in Tyler

September 18th, 2010

As you walk into Jericho Bookstore the smell of old books is overwhelming. The store carries so many books old and new. The store employee was quick to help me find what I was looking for, even though it was not very hard to find your way around. I was pleasantly surprised that the books were so well kept and organized.

All the books in the store are half off the sticker price, and they even had an area where all books were twenty five cents. Although I do not think I would buy the books offered for twenty five cents, they say that the selection changes often. They sell text books and great old literature. This was a great store for people that love to read books especially if you are looking for an older book that may not be carried by Barnes and Noble.

There was not very much of a child’s book selection. It was somewhat disappointing, but there was a much bigger selection online. A lot of their kid’s books that were in the store are used, but they are in good condition and some had beautiful illustrations. Really this was the only part of the store that I had higher expectations for.

There really is a beauty to buying old used books, and Jericho sells all their books at great prices. If you are interested in selling your own used books to the store you can take them up to the store or see their online website. The employees are real book lovers and can answer all your questions, and they are willing to help you find that perfect book.

American Patriots Bible

July 29th, 2010

This is a new King James Version Bible that also has some of our nations founding Christian principles and stories in it.

This Bible would be a good resource for those who would like to be caught up on principles rather than politics.

What Tyler Texas and the nation needs is a new love for solid Christian principles that made our nation one that values and protects individual liberties.

A Bible like this can help equip you to tell your friends, family, and the public why we must stand up and fight for the principles soldiers fought so hard for that we have today.

Bobby Jindal for President

June 17th, 2010

image1893643980.jpgJust as Obama a left wing radical ungodly athiest became president I put it out there that Louisana Gov. Bobby Jindal will succeed him.

This time it will be a godly conservative politician that loves America and believes in personal freedom and liberty.