I would like to bring up the idea that bookstores such as Barnes and Noble should receive some form of subsidy to help them stay in business. As a Western Washington University student, and a Bellevue resident, I was saddened to return home and stop by Crossroads only to find out the Barnes and Noble went out of business with little to no notice. Books were an integral part of my life as a childhood and I would hate to see bookstores and libraries become the new Blockbuster.

So, I would like to ask everyone what value we put on reading and does it deserve additional funds to improve our libraries and prevent bookstores from disappearing? I especially would ask parents for the upcoming generations, whose children are more inundated with virtual media than ever before.

Benjamin Richardson

Bellevue