The city of Long Beach seeks to tear down Acres of Books on Long Beach Blvd. (along with the other structures on its block) for economic re-develpment. We adamantly oppose this motion. The diversity that gives Long Beach such a unique flavor is not just its people; independent businesses (especially ones that double as regional culture centers) are essential to any city's character. Acres of Books is the last substantial independent bookstore in the city and attracts regular customers from the reaches of Orange County and Los Angeles County. Economic prosperity for Long Beach is of great importance to us, but the loss of such an authentic business and historic landmark is not worth one more block of space for re-development. Please stop Acres of Books from becoming acres of something else.