Cody's Closing - Event cancelled

A cruddy day for bookstore lovers. The august Cody's Books is closing its doors, effective immediately. The company sent out a press release late last night saying the closure is to due financial distress.

I will obviously not be reading there on Monday night. I will show up at the store in case some readers don't get the message. We can get a beer and mourn the passing.

This is what Cody's said:

Dear Colleagues and Friends, We have one or more author events scheduled with you between this coming week and into November 2008 which must be canceled immediately. We've just received word that IBC Publishing, Cody's parent company, is closing our store, effective today, after having determined after years of financial distress that Cody's can no longer continue as a viable business in its present state. Needless to say, this is one of the most difficult times that our company has experienced and the most difficult note I've ever written; canceling any author event is personally heartbreaking for me and my staff especially at the last-minute like this. I am exceedingly sorry for the significant inconvenience and disappointment, as well as for this general broadcast in lieu of an individual note.

I have been so incredibly appreciative of working with you to bring writers and readers together, and remain more grateful than I can say for your support and belief in Cody's over so many years. I've more than my fair share of spectacular memories, thanks to you and your authors.
We are not entirely sure what's ahead, but I hope our paths will cross sometime down the road when the flames subside. My personal contact info: phone: 510-845-6575; email: mytinger@gmail.com

If you have any further questions or concerns about Cody's closing,please contact Mindy Galoob, Cody's General Manager at 510-965-5846 ormindy@codysbooks.com. With thanks and heartfelt regards,Melissa 2201 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA 94704 BERKELEY'S CODY'S BOOKS CLOSES AFTER 52 YEARS Berkeley CA, June 20, 2008 –After 52 years, Cody's Books will shut its doors effective June 20, 2008. The Berkeley bookstore has been a beacon to readers and writers throughout the nation and across the world. Founded by Fred and Pat Cody in 1956, Cody's has been a Berkeley institution and a pioneer in the book business, helping to establish such innovations as quality paperbacks and in-store author readings. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Cody's was a landmark of the Free Speech movement and was a home away from home for innumerable authors, poets and readers. The Board of Directors of Cody's Books made this difficult decision after years of financial distress and declining sales. According to Cody's president, Hiroshi Kagawa, "[It] is a heartbreaking moment…in the spring of 2005 when I learned about the financial crisis facing Cody's, I was excited to save the store from bankruptcy. Unfortunately, my current business is not strong enough or rich enough to support Cody's. Of course, the store has been suffering from low sales and the deficit exceeds our ability to service it." "When I met Cody's 25 years ago, I was a freelance journalist, enraptured by its books and atmosphere. It means so much to me and I apologize to the people who have supported Cody's for not being able to keep this landmark independent bookstore open. Cody's is my treasure and more than that, Cody's is a real friend of Berkeley community and will be missed." Cody's would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their years of patronage. For further information contact: Mindy Galoob, General Manager at mindy@codysbooks.com