Posted on October 31, 2019 at 12:15 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Now here’s something that might strike terror into the hearts of readers: the thought of an admission fee into a bookstore.

A New Yorker column, in which writer Howard Fishman wonders whether charging an entry fee would help keep brick-and-mortar shops afloat, has been making the online rounds for a few days now.

Fishman admits he’s no economist, so he’s merely guessing at whether this would work; a handful of New York booksellers he spoke with didn’t seem terribly enthusiastic about the idea.

That said, versions of it have evidently succeeded abroad.

A shop in Porto, Portugal, charges five euros (about $5.50) to enter but also applies that amount as a credit to purchases, while a Tokyo bookstore charges $14, which also grants access to a reading area with complimentary hot beverages.

Would you pay to browse a bookstore? And do you think you’re alone in your opinion?

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Tagged As: Bookstore, Reading

Comments
Yes...I think it’s a wonderful idea...it lets you meet serious readers and also I’m betting you’ll have a good selection of books. Plus credit ...woohoo and like minded company is always nice in a reading room!!! But under $10 for us budget minded would be good of course...
Tonja McMillan | 11/1/19 at 4:58 PM
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