Books are important to society. They offer an enjoyable escape from the world. They take humans to places they may not otherwise be able to go. They open minds and broaden perspectives. They teach empathy and understanding.

Now, imagine Bisbee without a place to buy books. That is soon about to be a reality, as Craig Harzinski and Ken Mertes, co-owners of Bisbee Books & Music in the Mercantile on Main building at 2 Main Street in the heart of downtown Bisbee, are moving to Portugal in the new year.

The business has been for sale for the past two years, as they have been feeling the pull to relocate overseas. It’s how they felt when they moved to Bisbee from Chicago in 2018 and purchased the store from Carol Lokey in November of that year..….read full story (online subscribers only)