An iconic Tennessee bookstore prepares to close its doors; a New York and an Indiana bookstore mark major milestones; and more.
Booksellers at Laurelwood to Close in February: The Booksellers (formerly known as Davis Kidd) is closing its doors after more than 30 years. Owner Neil Van Umm told The Commercial Appeal that the 25,000 sq. ft. store had been losing $50,000 a year for the past few years, and the losses are growing. The store and its restaurant employ 50 people.
Bookstore and Bakery Swap Locations: Afterwords Bookstore and Bailey Cakes are changing places in Edwardsville, Ill. This will be the fourth move for the seven-year-old bookstore. It will hold a grand re-opening on January 14.
NYC’s Drama Bookshop Enters 100th Year: The bookstore, which received an Honorary Tony Award in 2011 for excellence in theater, is marking its centenary this year. Its big anniversary bash will be held on Sunday, October 1, on current owner Arthur Seelen’s birthday.
The Griffon Turns 40: The South Bend bookstore, founded by Ken Peczkowski and Sarah Bird in 1976, has one of the oldest continuously-running dedicated game rooms in the country.
Hester Books to Close, New Store to Open: Last weekend Renee Hester closed the bookstore that her father, Ross, started in 1997, so that she can become a hospice counselor. The good news is that she has a “preferred potential buyer,” who will reopen the Lubbock store in the spring.
Obituary: Madeline (“Mel”) Bolen: Canadian bookseller Mel Bolen, founder of Bolen Books, one of Canada’s biggest single-location independents with a 20,000 sq. ft. store in Victoria, passed away unexpectedly on December 21. She was 72 years old. Bolen retired in 2010 and sold the store to her daughter Samantha.
