Ray's List: The Next Page

It is hard for me to believe that I will no longer spend a Sunday afternoon in the Mays Landing Borders checking out some poetry by Billy Collins, Nikki Giovanni or Pablo Neruda while enjoying a cool drink.

Borders Books was one of the places I would go locally to “get away” and slow down. There is no other place where I can relax with some poetry, write, research an article on my laptop, sketch in my sketchbook, run into friends, have a business meeting and pick up a good book for my niece all in the same visit.

There was a time that I could do all of that and spend time with my dad who enjoyed listening to music at the CD stations when Borders had them.

No, nothing will replace Borders. While we wait on another bookstore/cafe that will be everything to everybody, here’s my list of Galloway area shops that can help you get over the departure of Borders.

: 405 Pitney Road, Galloway

Even if I didn’t say Starbucks first, you have probably already called your clients, study group and friends and explained “Monday’s meeting has been moved to Starbucks.”

Pros-Great Coffee and Drinks, Free Wi-Fi.
Cons-Not as much room as Borders, not as many CD’s, and good luck finding any books.

: 68 West Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway

Barista’s is a family owned coffee shop that will offer plenty of room and personalized service. My friends Mark and Debbie Becker have established a place that is actually warmer than Borders with regard to the “home style” of the space.

They also offer one of a kind cold desserts, many of which are low fat. At least once a month Barista’s also has live music and an open mic.

Pros-Free Wi-Fi, mouth watering desserts, one flat screen TV, CDs from local artists, opens most days at 6am.

Cons-Only Con is again, no books or magazines to buy.

Smithville

For all you caffeine fiends, think about adding tea to your list of beverages. Through The Looking Glass offers a wide variety of teas from around the world, but no coffee. They will however, teach you how to make and blend your own teas.

They also have an incredible selection of teapots from the antique and fragile to new and affordable. Upstairs in the reading room, Through The Looking Glass offers a selection of used books and brand new children’s books. The reading room also has local art on display.

You can actually view a previous Ray’s List video I did at the Through The Looking Glass’ Reading room

Pros-One of a kind teas and desserts. Learn to blend your own tea. As an artist you can sell your books, CD’s and visual art on consignment.

Cons-I don’t think they offer wi-fi. It is a great place to read and find new books, but not to study.

Last week, I told you about the at The Galloway Library. All of The Atlantic County System Libraries have a great collection of books, movies and music for all tastes.

Plus each branch has computers with internet access, or you can bring your laptop or tablet. The libraries are going to give you the most Borders-like experience with books. The library is your best bet now for trying to get help ordering a book you may want to read.

Pros-You can read the books at the library without a card. With a card you can take home books, DVD’s, and CD’s free of charge. If you don’t own a laptop or tablet, you can make an appointment to use one of the computers at the library (many of which do provide internet access.)

Cons-Everything you take home must be brought back. Currently at The Atlantic County Libraries, the two major cons are no food available to buy and no Sunday hours.

Borders will be missed. We will do what we can to help.