As a lifelong reader and proud Bronx resident, I’ve deeply felt the loss of the Barnes & Noble that once stood in Bay Plaza. It wasn’t just a bookstore — it was a community space. A place where kids discovered their first favorite stories, teens explored new worlds, and readers of all ages found connection and inspiration.

Since its closing, two businesses have come and gone from that same location — and now, the space sits empty. But for many of us, the absence of Barnes & Noble is more than just a vacant storefront — it’s a gap in access, imagination, and opportunity.

Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics show that access to books in the home is a strong predictor of future academic success. Yet neighborhoods like ours often face being labeled “book deserts,” where affordable books and welcoming literary spaces are hard to come by.

Bringing Barnes & Noble back to Bay Plaza isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about rebuilding a hub for learning, creativity, and community. A place where the next generation can fall in love with reading — just like we did.

If you believe in the power of books, education, and investing in our local youth and culture — please sign this petition. Let’s bring Barnes & Noble back to the Bronx.