This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: June 20, 2008 - Left Bank Books, one of the few remaining independent booksellers in the country and a local landmark at the corner of Euclid and McPherson avenues in the Central West End, is making moves toward establishing a second store downtown.
The store is considering a site at the corner of 10th and Locust in the heart of the developing residential neighborhood surrounding the Old Post Office. If Left Bank were to expand, its store would be the only general bookstore downtown.
According to Left Bank Books co-owner Jarek Steele, the satellite branch would be similar to the current Left Bank Books, although its inventory would be selected with downtown dwellers and tourists in mind.
Steele said although new store is still in the discussion stage, he hopes a decision would be made soon. Left Bank, he said, is "interested in the redevelopment of downtown." He believes, he said, a downtown bookstore could be a big part of the revitalization.
Michael Jay is an intern.