Adventure Bound Books, Morganton, N.C., is one of many indies once again having to negotiate the ever-shifting waters of the face mask debate in the age of Covid-19. On Facebook yesterday, owner Angela Shores noted: "As an independent bookstore owner and business owner in general, I have to make tough decisions regularly. As a bookstore that offers children's books and books for grown-ups, I make business decisions for a wide range of shoppers and community members.
"In that vein, I've been trying to keep up with CDC recommendations and guidelines in an effort to keep our book loving community as safe as possible. I love all you wonderful, beautiful book people. I care deeply for the youngest of readers and patrons of my bookstore. As always, there is no judgment in the bookstore, and I strive to make it a safe space in so many ways.
"It has been weighing heavy on my heart and mind lately, with Covid variants and our county being a high transmission area, that I need to make tough choices to create a safe space for the youngest readers and shoppers that come into my bookstore. I realize that this is a decision that will likely change over time as new data emerges.
"For now, I am asking all shoppers to please wear a mask when shopping in the bookstore. I’ve mentioned my People Over Profit hat before in posts and our newsletter, and how some choices as a business owner feel like a decision about people or profit rather than being a choice that supports both. For me, I will always choose people. I hope this request doesn’t turn people away from shopping with us, but I realize it might. We continue to offer shipping options and curbside pick up. While there won't be parking in front of the store when we move to our new space, I'll work to have a quick, accessible spot for pick ups. Thank you for helping me ensure a safe space for young readers!"