End of an Era on Appleton's College Avenue?

Link to January 23 Appleton Post-Crescent article, "Contract loss has Conkey's Book Store in limbo".

Excerpt:
Conkey's Book Store could be facing its final chapter.

With the loss of a major business contract, the 112-year-old downtown bookstore at 226 E. College Ave. is forced to rethink its future.

"We don't know at this time. We are trying to readjust to the change," said owner John Zimmerman.

On Tuesday night, Fox Valley Technical College's board of trustees voted to give its campus bookstore contract to Barnes & Noble.

Conkey's had that contract for the last 20 years, but was bested by a lower proposal in the bid process.

Barnes & Noble's contract starts July 1.

I always make a point to visit Conkey's and buy something when I'm in Appleton.

This news story almost makes me want to cut my Borders reward card into little pieces, which probably makes me part of the problem that independent bookstore owners face. I'm a sucker for a coupon-induced bargain.