When I was in college, the UP Main Library was my refuge when I wanted to relax and “disappear.” As I transitioned to being a young professional who was just starting in my career, Booksale was the closest alternative I had to the feeling of safety provided by the UP Main Library. It was my haven when work became too much to handle, and my go-to shop when I wanted to treat myself during bonus season. A quick visit to Booksale became my routine, especially because there was a branch that was along my route when going home.
That routine only changed when I got married, but when we had our first baby, we began visiting Booksale again because that was where we bought affordable storybooks and educational materials. We only stopped buying when the pandemic came, and by the time the community restrictions had eased and we were allowed to go out, the Booksale branch that we frequented had already closed. For a time, I thought Booksale would eventually succumb to economic pressures, but it’s encouraging to see that there are branches that are still standing strong.
In fact, just a few months ago, on a random visit to SM City Fairview, the Booksale branch at this mall was suddenly so inviting. I wanted to buy storybooks for Rafa’s reading practice. I eventually got a book containing 8 classic fairy tale stories. I thought it would also be a good opportunity to introduce him to some of the stories that I also loved as a kid.
The next few moments at Booksale took a different turn as three books caught my attention. One is a vintage-looking “It’s a Mystery, Charlie Brown” book; the next is Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” with a CD included, and a Thirteen O’clock mildly creepy storybook. I told my wife that we went inside Booksale to buy books for Rafa, but I ended up getting more for myself haha.
Anyway, it made me happy to visit Booksale once again.
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