Urban Think will be closing it’s doors at the end of this month. This downtown bookstore has been a favorite haunt of mine for some time. They hosted authors signing their books all the time and there have been a number of musical events and workshops held there. This book store had a personal touch you just don’t find at the big mega bookstores. It will be greatly missed.
Here is a letter from the Urban Think manager about the closing…
“Now that our closing news has hit the street, and the end of the month is fast approaching, we have been hearing from many of our costumers via phone, e-Mail, and in person visits. It’s amazing to know how much we were a part of the literary and social circles for so long here in Thornton Park. Being told that we were “the heart and soul of the neighborhood” is a huge compliment, and I rest in the knowledge that I and my co-workers always strove toward that rarefied height. Not many retail shops manage to become such a valued part of their costumers lives.
As manager for nine years, I’ve been afforded an opportunity to meet some really great readers and authors. Helping to nurture your writing dreams through our many book signings and stock of your books left me with a deep sense of satisfaction, and I saw many of your books do very well. In that respect – yet one among many – I feel like I and my co-workers did something wonderful for Orlando. Keep reading and writing!”
5 thoughts on “Urban Think”
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Fabulous sketch, Thomas.
sad to see them go.
We're going to miss UrbanThink! Bookstore and remember it for the very big part it played in the literary life of Orlando.
In the early days of MAD about Words workshops we were generously and graciously hosted at UrbanThink! and over the years, I was interviewed by Sara Schlossman for WMFE radio's "Poetic Logic" (another very-much-missed institution), held meetings with clients, attended many memorable readings, drank many glasses of wine and connected with writer friends there. I bought books, too. But sadly, not enough…
One of the best things that ever happened to me there was meeting the aforementioned manager — Jimmy Crescitelli — who is really the heart and soul of the place and a wonderfully talented writer, too.
Thank you Jim and staff and Bruce Harris and family. And thanks for documenting this sad time with such a vibrant sketch, Thor.
Gorgeously rich colour. Great sketch. Sad story.
For anyone who stumbles upon this post so many months later, know that the spirit of Urban Think has not left the space. Check out this site to get updated in the future:
http://urbanrethink.com