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Farewell to one of the last independent bookstores in Detroit

When asked how Midtown Detroit has changed in recent years, Foulkes was to the point: "Less artsy, more money."
Megan M. Canty
When asked how Midtown Detroit has changed in recent years, Foulkes was to the point: "Less artsy, more money."

The "FOR SALE" sign is out on a building on Cass Avenue in Midtown Detroit. And that sign represents the end of an era.

The building houses the Big Book Store, which is one of the very last independent bookstores left in Metro Detroit.

After 80 years, the store's owner, John King, has decided to close it down. There's just not enough business to justify keeping doors open.

And that means big changes are looming for the store's manager: Bill Foulkes has worked at the Big Book Store since the 1970s.

He joined Stateside to talk books and bookstores, tablets, and a changing Detroit. 

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