RiverRun Bookstore, Portsmouth, N.H., will close February 28, 2025, after 23 years in business. Owner Tom Holbrook plans to retire from bookselling, but will continue to focus on editing and publishing.
"It's been an adventure, and a privilege," said Holbrook, who founded Riverrun in 2002 with two other local bookstore owners, Dan Chartrand and Bob Hugo. Over the years, the business has had multiple owners and investors but has always been managed by Holbrook.
"That's why I don't want to sell it. It's my baby," he noted. "It's also the legal home of my editing and publishing business, which I intend to continue full time once I'm retired from bookselling." He added that Piscataqua Press has published more than 200 local authors since its launch in 2013.
"We live in a community of amazing writers," Holbrook said. "My plan is to turn my attention to editing full time. I also intend to tackle my towering 'To Be Read' pile that I've been too busy to get to. But first, we are going to have a lot of celebration and a huge 2024 holiday season! We will have commemorative T-shirt, mugs, bags, and other fun stuff!"
Since it opened in 2002, RiverRun has hosted more than 1,000 author events, and was instrumental in launching the Writers on a New England Stage program at the Music Hall.
"RiverRun has been here for so long because the people who live in this community understand the importance of locally owned and operated businesses," Holbrook said. "I certainly hope that continues."
He also noted that first time and early career authors who are seeking editorial help can reach him at riverrunbookstore.com or at authorhelp.net. For authors who have published through Piscataqua Press, Holbrook added he will continue to maintain and promote those books.