Bookshops, Libraries and Book Bans — 2026-10-22
French independent bookstores face severe physical and financial threats, with vandalism following October 17 protests causing significant damage and a historic Madrid bookstore forced to close after 80 years. Meanwhile, U.S. library systems grapple with budget deficits leading to service cuts, while PEN America reports a record 12,000 school book bans in the 2025-2026 school year.
Bookshops, Libraries and Book Bans — 2026-10-22
Top developments
French bookstores battered by post-protest vandalism
In France, the aftermath of the October 17 demonstrations has led to a worsening situation for independent bookstores. Following initial pillaging during the protests, vandalism continued into the night of October 18–19, with managers accumulating testimony regarding the violence of these acts. This physical destruction adds to the economic pressures already facing the sector, threatening the viability of small local retailers.
Historic Madrid bookstore Pérgamo forced to close
After 80 years of operation, the iconic Madrid bookstore Pérgamo is being forced to vacate its premises in the Salamanca district. The owners of the building have decided not to renew the lease, despite the bookstore’s sustained activity levels. The store is scheduled to close its historic doors on November 17, marking the end of an era for Madrid’s literary landscape.
Record high school book bans in the U.S.
PEN America’s latest index reveals that nearly 12,000 books were banned in public schools during the 2025-2026 school year. The data indicates a sharp increase in censorship efforts, with Florida and Texas leading the nation. In some cases, such as in Hillsborough County, removals of specific titles have escalated from 40 instances across 10 districts in July 2025 to at least 165 bans across 18 districts by June 2026.
German chain Thalia expands while independents struggle
German bookshop chain Thalia is actively expanding, opening two new locations in Schwelm and Bensheim this week, with a major flagship store set to open in Mainz on October 23. This expansion contrasts with the struggles of smaller independent bookshops in Germany, some of which are closing or becoming partners with larger chains like Hugendubel to survive rising rents and market pressures.
Local view
France: Actualitté reports that the closure of La Bookinerie in Monaco, just over a year after its opening, highlights the economic fragility of independent bookstores even in affluent areas. The managers cited "economic difficulties," urging customers to support local booksellers rather than wealthy competitors. Additionally, the association L'Autre Livre is closing its Parisian bookstore, citing financial difficulties.
Germany: Tagesschau highlights a community-led success story in Kaufungen, Hessen, where residents fought for three years to reopen the town's only bookstore after it closed in 2023. This grassroots effort stands in contrast to the broader industry trend of consolidation and chain dominance.
Context & numbers
- Book Ban Volume: PEN America recorded 11,982 book bans in U.S. public schools for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Library Budget Cuts: In the U.S., the Missoula Public Library is considering service reductions due to a $400,000 budget deficit. In the UK, Bristol librarians have warned that plans to use volunteers to extend branch hours pose safety risks due to a lack of paid staff.
- German Market Dynamics: Thalia is opening a 2,500-square-meter store in Frankfurt’s "One Two One" project, signaling aggressive physical retail expansion by major chains.
On the radar
- Thalia Mainz Opening: The new Thalia bookstore in Mainz, featuring 1,200 square meters of retail space, opens on October 23, 2026.
- Pérgamo Closure: The final day of trading for Madrid’s Pérgamo bookstore is November 17, 2026.
- Aix-en-Provence Legal Proceedings: The romance-specialist bookstore-café Mille Vies et 1KF in Aix-en-Provence has entered a legal safeguard procedure as of October 21, 2026.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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