Barnes & Noble has closed its store on Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre, Pa. WBRE reported that the bookstore "was run by Wilkes University, King's College and Barnes & Noble. The store also sold merchandise from both schools. Both schools decided this year to move on and to operate their own book stores on campus."
Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown said, "Naturally we don't like to see any business close downtown or in any other part of the city. But the city is coming back. I keep saying that there's always interest where businesses or other people expanding or bringing business from outside the area. I'm optimistic."
B&N customer John Puchniak told WBRE he would like to see another bookstore open here: "With Tudor Bookshop gone, B-Dalton Books gone, Willow Green Bookstore gone, Mike's Library gone, Book and Recordmart gone, it's a pity for the Wyoming Valley. It is."