“Excuse Me, Where Is the Magazine Rack Now?”

NEVADA CITY — While waiting to check out at SPD Market on Zion St. in Nevada City, it is no longer possible to sneak a peek at The National Inquirer. Or any other magazine. They are not available at the checkout line, not available on the sixteen-foot rack at the back of the store. They are not available, period.

According to Ben Painter, store manager, there are multiple reasons magazines disappeared from his store in 2024.

The big picture: Although many older people still enjoy print media, it’s losing ground to other modes of communication. It’s well-known that long-successful magazines are struggling to hold on to subscribers; independent bookstores are under pressure. Print media readership in general is diminishing, and the situation at SPD reflects that. Painter says a lot of his customers were still browsing the magazine rack, but fewer and fewer were actually buying. Bottom line: demand is down.

The more immediate issue: While large grocery chains still have options, finding a reliable magazine supplier has become more and more difficult for smaller stores. After a long period of escalating frustration, Painter finally gave up the effort.

Happily, he’s not planning to use the lengthy former magazine rack for snack foods… yet. Instead, it’s become a showcase for books by local authors and books about local subjects – over seventy-five different titles, and more to come!

Painter has been amazed to discover how many local writers there are. Are you a fan of Molly Fisk, Darrell Berkheimer, Hollie Grimaldi-Flores, or Dr. Scott Kellermann, for example? Does a title like Looking for Love in the Sears Catalog (Beverly Leach) or After I’m Buried Alive (Catharine Bramkamp) intrigue you?

Maybe you’re more interested in history; all the locally relevant “Images of America” series (20+ topics) are on offer. Plus the fun “Super Explorer” books for kids, the “Lone Pine” gardening series, and guides to area birds, reptiles and bugs. And don’t overlook beautiful coffee table books by local artists like LeeAnn Brooks and Denise Wey.

As the word spreads, Painter regularly gets requests to add more books, which he is happy to do. Clearly this is a talented community, and Painter’s commitment to spotlighting local writers and stories is part of the reason SPD Markets enjoy so much customer loyalty.

Luckily, SPD still offers newspapers, including The Mountain Messenger!

Shameless plug: Since you’re reading The Mountain Messenger, I’m assuming you’re a reader. Our job together is to make sure the local authors we relish know about this additional way to connect with readers. We can increase readership, support art, and build community together. Pass the word!