To the editor:

For nearly 40 years, Barrington Books has been more than just a bookstore—it’s been a cornerstone of our community. A place where neighbors gather, where children grow up surrounded by stories, and where we celebrate life’s milestones together. We like to say we don’t own the store—we’re simply its trustees. In truth, Barrington Books belongs to all of you, our loyal customers and friends.

That’s why it’s heartbreaking to confirm what we’ve long suspected: that stealing from the bookstore is the latest extra curricular activity in town. 

We’ve heard it from parents and teachers, and we’ve observed it ourselves. Our kids — that we’ve watched grow up in front of our eyes, that we hosted during story time as toddlers, and helped with summer reading books — are now stealing from us, for fun. We’ve actually been asked by emboldened teens exactly where our security cameras are in the store, watched as they positioned themselves elsewhere only to overhear “who cares if we steal it, it only costs a few dollars.”

We recently completed our annual physical inventory, scanning each and every item in the store. Considering our diversified offerings, this task is no joke. It’s an all-hands-on-deck, all day process that we usually enjoy. Call it team building. But this year’s results were humbling and left us feeling defeated. Our “shrink” — or percentage of missing inventory — is double the industry standard for retail. 

Recently, two case packs of collectible balls vanished in four days. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about trust and respect. It’s about the relationships we’ve built over decades and the sense of safety and belonging we’ve worked so hard to create.

We are incredibly grateful for our loyal customers, the ones who cherish this store as much as we do. They are the reason Barrington Books has become a “third space”—not home, not work or school, but a space to feel welcome, inspired, and connected. But to those who steal: please stop. Your actions affect more than just the bottom line—they impact a place that belongs to all of us.

We want Barrington Books to remain the warm, vibrant gathering place it has always been. Let’s work together to keep it that way.

Your community partner, Barrington Books

Barrington