The Local’s cameras were rolling during a spending spree this weekend: watch our video to see the books flying off the shelves, and hear the bookshop’s co-owner Bob Contant tell the story of Allen Ginsberg playing security guard.

The Local’s daily roundup of East Village news from around the web, including a party for The Readery at The Standard East Village, the chaining of the Lower East Side, memories from Clayton Patterson, and more.

Without a boost in traffic, the bookstore won’t be able to rebuild its inventory.

Patti Smith completes a trio of local performances tonight with a reading from her recently released book, “Woolgathering,” at the St Mark’s Bookshop.

A roundup of this morning’s news, including a building for sale on Avenue B, a building on the market on East Houston Street, Courtney Love on the Bowery, and more.

Brendan Bernhard contemplates the state of the St. Mark’s Bookshop via a photo essay.

Neighborhood activists, local pols, the Cooper Square Committee, and owners of the bookshop all basked in the glow of the new rent agreement.

But it’s not exactly what the bookstore had hoped for.

Rumors of the Bookshop’s demise much exaggerated?

A roundup of this morning’s news, including a new mural on the Bowery, more on last night’s protests, a big building sale, and a supermodel at A-1.

The owners of the St. Mark’s Bookshop say all hope is lost regarding their push for a rent reduction. Cooper Union says no decision has been made.

A roundup of this morning’s news, including a suspect in the Donovan Salgado case and the shaming of bed bug buildings.

With the aid of some fortunate timing, the Cooper Square Committee delivered their petition in support of the St. Mark’s Bookshop directly to Jamshed Bharucha today.

Despite internet chatter, Cooper Union may not be reaching a decision today.

Read the senator’s letter to Cooper Union President Jamshed Bharucha.

One of the neighborhood’s most affordable eateries bows before the recession.

A roundup of this morning’s news, including another celebrity endorsement for Mogador, happy birthdays to a couple of punk legends, and new spots of breakfast and meatballs.

Read Borough President Scott M. Stringer’s letter to Cooper Union’s president, regarding the St. Mark’s Bookshop.

An update on the bookstore’s efforts to lower its $20,000-per-month rent.