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Setting the Record Straight

Dear Readers,

To paraphrase a well known quote, "Rumors of (our) demise have been greatly exaggerated." Everyday someone asks me if Otto’s is going out of business. Two reporters from the Sun Gazette have also asked. My answer to all is "No!" We have been the community bookstore in this town for 166 years and we hope to continue for the next 166 years. In spite of my almost daily denials, somebody out there is still spreading the rumor that our days are numbered. If someone knows something I don’t know about the end of our world, please come directly to me with the information.

We suffered a loss last year but have cut our advertising and payroll expenses and have rebounded nicely. We are in better financial shape than we have been in years. We are open more hours than any other small business in the downtown area and have no intention of cutting our hours: five days a week, 9 to 8, Sat., 9 to 6 and Sun., 1 to 4 (Closed for national holidays.) Our service has improved—many special orders can be received in less than 24 hours. Our website (www.ottobookstore.com) is expanded with staff recommendations and a list of regional books. And we have free candy on the counter! No, we are not about to close.