LINDA WERTHEIMER, Host:
Borders Books and Music filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week and is beginning the process of closing about a third of their stores. The liquidation sale started this weekend at 200 locations, including New York City, Chicago and right here in Washington, D.C. where locals lined up for deep discounts.
MEGAN: When I came around the corner and saw the everything must go sign, it was just a punch in the gut.
DENITA: Unidentified Woman: (Singing) Sorry, I'm out off business. I'm not at your service anymore.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG)
JUSTIN: It's really unfortunate that in times like this, especially with electronic books, that places like these have really gone wayside.
SHELBY: I think it makes sense. I mean, if you're not a step ahead, you're going to go down. I mean, that's expected.
MEGAN: For me, and for I think a lot of other people like me, this is really our book home where we can come and time disappears. This was my sanctuary for a long time, and now it's going away.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG)
WERTHEIMER: (Singing) Now since I thought it over, and I made up my mind, it's plain to see I'm slipping, so I'm leaving you behind.
DENITA: I do shop online but it's nothing like holding a book in your hands.
JUSTIN: Flipping through the pages, it's a good feeling. I don't think I'm going to be a convert to a Kindle anytime soon.
MEGAN: Unidentified Woman: (Singing) Yes, I'm sorry I'm out of business, get your work done where you got it done before.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG)
WERTHEIMER: Just a few of the voices from today's liquidation sale at Borders Books and Music location in Washington, D.C. Two hundred stores will be closing their doors by the end of April. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.