In Valentigney, the temporary work of the bookstore is done through the newsagent

When a newsagent sets up a book section, in the hope of finding a bookseller for the town. It’s in Valentigney that it’s happening. Four months ago, the almost century-old bookstore “Le coucou qui lit” closed its curtain once and for all. Unable to resolve the disappearance of this essential trade, the tobacconist of rue Viette, Alexandre Carrey, offers a small book section, including to order. Not to increase its turnover, but to ward off fate, while waiting for the installation of a new bookstore in the town.

“It’s just to be of service to the population that we have installed this book section, with the new releases for the literary season. A sort of temporary work while waiting for the return of a bookseller. There are projects in the pipeline, but not for now”, explains Alexandre Carrey. “And it works. Just this morning, a gentleman ordered three books from me.”

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“Culture for all, I wonder where it is”, exclaims this customer of the tobacconist who is delighted with this book section. “These books are great. But they don’t replace the bookseller.”

Is the hope of a reopening in vain? In the premises of the former bookstore, yes, because the premises were sold to a pizza maker which will offer takeaway meals. On the other hand, a project could be born in the future shopping mall of Oemichen Street. But not for several months, or even years. François Hegwein is an activist for the Parenthese association which supported the former bookseller and is working to set up a new bookstore. He wrote a book on this history of the Valentigney bookstore, the proceeds of which will go to the future bookseller, to help him finance his book fund.