Independent Bookstores Are Still Alive

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The article about the new owners of the Washington bookstore, Politics and Prose, includes an unfortunate line: “the age of independent bookstores seems to have closed” (“Coveted by Jewish Bidders, D.C. Bookstore Finds New Owners,” April 8).

The vigor of Politics and Prose and its many prospective purchasers, as reported in your story, belies that assertion, as do more than 2,000 independent bookstores that continue to make important contributions to book lovers, to their customers and to communities throughout America. These stores work powerfully as small, local businesses to preserve the printed book against technology fads. They deserve our full support, not premature obituaries.

MORTON I. TEICHER
Scarsdale, N.Y.