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My son has been nagging me for days to get him the new Harry Potter book, so while I was downtown today, I got it at Lowell’s own Barnes & Noble book store. Most folks might not think about our book store downtown, heading up to Nashua instead where they have mega book stores along busy Daniel Webster Highway. There are a lot of reasons to stay local when doing your shopping—books or otherwise—and here’s just a few of them: First, our B&N offers Lowell Public School employees a 20% discount on purchases. Second, our B&N discounts New York Times’ bestsellers (30% hardcover, 20% paperback) which Nashua B&N doesn’t. And third, even though our B&N is smaller, it boasts an expert reading staff that will advise you on the best cooking, romance, horror (you name it) books. That personal touch by knowledgeable people, such as Manya Callahan, the helpful bookseller I spoke with today, makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Also, the city now reserves three-hour-parking spots on the first floors of both Market and John Street garages, which are a short walk to the downtown area. And here’s an added plus: when you shop downtown Lowell, you get a walking experience with choices that include great cafes, restaurants, spas, boutiques, specialty stores, museums, history tours (by foot, canal or trolley) and the most stunning library in the state. It sure beats driving to Nashua and sitting at endless lights on DW Highway.