I'm wondering what it says about Parker that we have Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes and now, even Costco on the horizon, but not a mention of a Borders or Barnes and Noble.

Over the years we've had a few book shops in town. All independents, they all sold used, as well as new books; apparently it's the only way that the majority of independent bookstores can make ends meet in today's market.

Of course, the library still has a used book section, and it's true you can pick up a copy of the latest bestseller at just about any grocery store. But if your tastes are more specific, or your interests more broad, you'll be clocking miles to some other tax base to purchase a good book.

Yes, I can hear the library contingent smugly pointing out the close proximity of thousands of books that can be had for only the swipe of a library card. Sounds good,until you actually go to the library. There's a reason Douglas County Libraries is reconfiguring its previously rejected mill levy increase for the November ballot.

It's because you seldom find what you want on the shelf. Oh sure, it's out there somewhere, maybe.

More often than not that good book you've got a yen to crack open this evening is in the Lone Tree branch, or Castle Rock. Unless it's a popular read, then there's a waiting list and you will just have to get in cyber-line!

No wonder a trip to Park Meadows or Arapahoe Crossing seems a small price to pay for a little literacy.

I made the trip again today. This time, I only purchased two books, a mystery for myself and an early reader for my granddaughter.

Oftentimes I load up so my shelves have options for those moments when the desire to escape into the written word will not be denied any longer. It takes effort to be well read in Parker.

So, when large book chains neglect our demographic and voters pass on the opportunity to build a bigger, better library, I'm just saying ... what's that mean?