In October, Modern Times Bookstore, an independent, collectively owned and operated progressive bookstore in San Francisco's Mission District, will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. For a while, it had seemed as though the bookstore would suffer the fate of many other local bookstores that have closed recently, such as Changemakers in Oakland, A Clean, Well-Lighted Place for Books in SF, and Cody's on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley. The store's worker-owners believe that the survival of MTBS is critical "as the U.S. occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan stagnate, while at home immigrants face heightened repression and the “war on terror” compromises our civil liberties."

Modern Times carries "a depth and range of titles that you just can’t find at mainstream bookstores," and is "a community nexus and a center for the exchange of ideas." The store has constructed a new business model. It will add used books, formally renting out the back room as a meeting and classroom space, seeking sponsors to “adopt” sections of the store, and collaborating with New College of California. This collaboration will include joint events such as partnering on a fundraising party in October to celebrate the mutual anniversaries. The combination of New College, the Roxie Film Center, and Modern Times Bookstore is "a natural synergy given our physical and ideological proximity, our histories, and our similar visions for the future."

Modern Times points out that the best way that the community can support the store is to buy books there- whether they be books on the shelves, or specially-ordered purchases. They are also seeking section or store sponsors, fiscal or equipment donations, and store members. Read more

Upcoming Events at Modern Times from Indybay's Calendar | Modern Times Bookstore