In #Berlin bookstores are classified essential businesses (like groceries and drug stores) and have never been shut down by the city, though some did close initially until the instructions were clearer. 1/2 https://twitter.com/OrahMark/status/1242468693105238017

Most stores are now open again here, though with queuing, counting the number of customers inside, lanes and one-way systems marked on the floors. The new economy here looks to include more tolerance of home working, more spread-out shopping times, more community & family focus.

I like to think that book stores really are essential. But I think it's more likely that Berlin knows who the greater enemy is, which is the greater crisis. Which may mean that in fact book stores really are essential, and every creative outlet tying communities together.

I wrote a blogpost a few weeks ago, ironically (to this thread) about how to use Google Scholar, but I illustrated it with a picture of a #Berlin shop dedicated to antique radios. I will soon buy a reel-to-reel from it to listen to @Tomb8336's tapes.
https://joanna-bryson.blogspot.com/2020/04/how-and-why-to-use-google-scholar.html