Closing Bookstore Launches Readers Inc. Mobile

"It's not goodbye," read a sign in the now vacant window of the . storefront on La Mesa Boulevard.

And unlike some businesses that have had to close due to the ongoing recession, the longtime bookstore is getting a second life.

Readers Inc. Mobile is launching and will be prominently featured in La Mesa at community events, the weekly farmers market, and more.

"The reality is that we couldn't keep paying for the store," said Deena While, owner of Readers Inc. and Patch blogger. "The most important thing is that we'll still be around. The website will be active. We'll still have a regular presence in the community."

While said that she intends to remain a part of the La Mesa Merchants Association. She hopes to take her mobile store, which is essentially a pop-up tent and table, like a vendor booth.

While said she is already confirmed to participate in the La Mesa Farmes Market on Fridays, the Santee Farmers Market on Wednesdays and at Cuyamaca College on Saturdays.

She also confirmed that Readers Inc. Mobile will be at the Santee Street Fair on May 26. In addition, Readers Inc. Mobile is hosting the Children's Book Festival on Sunday, May 20. The free event wil feature book signings from celebrity authors, illustrator presentations from actual Disney animators, and other children's activities. Members from Professional Storytellers of San Diego will be on hand to tell stories to the kids.

Though the move to a mobile book store is bittersweet, While's daughter Jenny thinks it's for the best.

"Going mobile is a good idea," she said. "A lot of times the book store was empty. Now we'll be doing something different every day, and going to the foot traffic, instead of them coming to us.

At the launch party, month-old flower store L&S Flowers provided the table settings and flowers. Refreshments were provided by Devine Pastabilities.