I think keeping this a noncommercial space is very important, and too many of our physical public squares are being taken over by large multinational chains and frnachises. Picking up on Chris's post, I think it would be really cool to start a listing of independent book stores in the towns and cities where we all come from. If you know of some in your town, leave a comment here with the name and address, and if possible a link!

(This isn't advertising, this is sharing information!)

Here are a couple I'd add:

NYC: Bluestockings , a radical book store and fair trade cafe at 172 Allen St (btw Stanton and Rivington. Phone 212-777-6028

San Francisco: Modern Times, a cool collectively-owned progressive bookstore with great a sex/gender section and lots of other great stuff. 888 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

...because public space really matters!

Elizabeth