I was driving down the street yesterday and snapped this picture of Borders book Shop with a giant for lease sign. I admit, I took advantage of the going out of sale discounts and went back several times to check the new prices. I took solace in the fact that I was a regular customer before the big sales.

Something about seeing the for lease sign made me a little sad. Even though we’ve all known this has been coming for quite a while. It truly is the end of an era. Growing up in the Northwest especially, bookstores and coffee go together like cereal and milk. In this age of digital E-readers which do have their pros, it’s upsetting to think the next generation will hardly have the need or desire to pick up a physical book.

In high school I could hang out for hours in Tower Records with my friends, I spent just as much time in Borders and Barnes and Noble. As record stores have gone by the wayside, it looks like bookstores aren’t that far behind.

So farewell Borders, I’ll always look back fondly on the memories and experiences you gave me. You’ll never be forgotten and will always be missed, at least by me. As times change and technology advances, I pledge to never give up the simple treasures and wonders of the physical book. Sure the information is the same, but there is something to be said about the pleasure you get from turning the actual pages. And I don’t plan on letting that feeling go anytime soon.