Betts books is closing

[demorgan]

this really sucks:
"Here is an update that will be unexpected by most of you that receive it. After almost 20 years, I have decided to sell Betts Bookstore. This has not been an easy decision to make, but I am going through some major changes in my life and it seems like the right time to do this. 2009 has been a terrible year in terms of sales volume, as most of this country has experienced. That coupled with a health scare, the impending death of my Dad, and the loss of my closest friend, I just don't have the desire to continue any longer. The business is listed with a local Realtor at a very attractive price if anyone is interested in moving to Bangor.

We will carry on with business as usual until the store sells, or Jan 1, 2010 at which time it will be shut down. We will be selling Under The Dome when it is released in November. Hopefully we will have a couple of the signed limiteds available, but we are not taking reservations for them at this time. We do have a limited number of signed copies of Terry Goodkind's new book, The Law Of Nines.

Penney and I certainly appreciate all the great friends we have met through this store, and all the business that everyone has given us over the years. We will miss all of you.

Stu"

[bookworm101]

As a small business owner myself I'm so so sorry to hear this news. I truly understand the love, LONG hours, blood, sweat and tears it take to operate a business. To add the fact its a bookstore just saddens the news. I want to wish you the best in whatever you decide to do next. Good luck and best wishes.

[kingricefan]

this really sucks:
"Here is an update that will be unexpected by most of you that receive it. After almost 20 years, I have decided to sell Betts Bookstore. This has not been an easy decision to make, but I am going through some major changes in my life and it seems like the right time to do this. 2009 has been a terrible year in terms of sales volume, as most of this country has experienced. That coupled with a health scare, the impending death of my Dad, and the loss of my closest friend, I just don't have the desire to continue any longer. The business is listed with a local Realtor at a very attractive price if anyone is interested in moving to Bangor.

We will carry on with business as usual until the store sells, or Jan 1, 2010 at which time it will be shut down. We will be selling Under The Dome when it is released in November. Hopefully we will have a couple of the signed limiteds available, but we are not taking reservations for them at this time. We do have a limited number of signed copies of Terry Goodkind's new book, The Law Of Nines.

Penney and I certainly appreciate all the great friends we have met through this store, and all the business that everyone has given us over the years. We will miss all of you.

Stu"

Wow, this is really sad info! I am a member of skemers, and although I never attended one of their trips to Bangor, I know this will hit the skemer members hard as Stu and Penny were friends with those who attended the yearly conventions as you couldn't go to Bangor as a King fan without stopping at Bett's Bookstore!!:biggrin2:I always wanted to visit their store tho after seeing pics on their website and drooling over all of the wonderful King items that they stocked. I wish the Tinkers the best!

[w666]

I was in the store last year this time. To me was like both a shrine and museum.....and obviously a labor of love. Good luck and best wishes!

[sknut70]

This is Awefull!! I hope they find someone to buy it. It was a great stop on our weekend trips! :(

[E.Freemantle]

I am lifeline ,I've made purchases from you which always brought me great joy. To better days. Hey maybe ask Mr.King for help. You have surely helped him, althogh he seems like the kind of person, whom already has. Better times , in my prayers to The Jesus Man. R.S.Sippel AKA E.Freemantle

[mylife4usk]

I've gone to Bett's Bookstore many, many times during the last 10 years. Stu & Penney are Wonderful people and it saddens me to think Bett's could no longer be in business, let alone Bangor. Ever since "Ellen" came on the air it's been a dream of mine to own my own bookstore. Realistically, uprooting and moving to Bangor is not an option. Unless I win the lottery and that doesn't seem very likely. :(
If you're reading this, I wish you & Penney the best of luck and pray everything works out ok for you!
Miss ya, much love, CJ

[Born In Sin]

Say it aint so, I love your store :down: I am sorry your past year hasn't been good. I will miss your store. It was a favorite of mine and I have several books HARD TO FIND books of yours. Thank you, Robyn

[Moderator]

I've received permission from the new owner of Betts to post this message:

Dear Friends and Constant Readers,

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I assume the role of caretaker of Bett’s Books. My predecessor, Stuart Tinker, has held the position for nearly 20 years, and he is a well-known and respected figure in the Stephen King community. I would like to thank Stu for his dedication over the past years and for inspiring in so many of us a passion for all things Stephen King. My first King collectible was purchased from Stu almost 15 years ago. Stu and I plan to complete the formal transfer of ownership during the next several weeks.

Bett’s Books is synonymous with authenticity, quality and service, and I intend to uphold these values as the new owner. One of my long-term goals is to help expand people’s knowledge and appreciation for the literary works of Stephen King and to be an advocate for reading in general. I also plan to continue my support of The Haven Foundation, a national, nonprofit organization making grants to freelance writers and artists experiencing career-threatening trauma.

I simply could not be more delighted to be the new proprietor of Bett’s Books, and I look forward to providing you with the utmost care and consideration. I have several ideas for taking the business in new directions, so stay tuned!
Hope you are well.
Best to you.

David