Kay's Book Nook in Weaverville, Calif., is holding a liquidation sale in preparation for a tentative closing date of November 29. Last month, owner Kayley Wheeler, who took over the store in 2023, announced in a social media post that she would be shuttering the business.
"It comes with a heavy heart and my deepest regret that I must share this news: after four decades, thousands of stories, and four passionate owners, the time has come to close the doors of our beloved bookstore," Wheeler wrote. "This decision has not been made lightly."
She added that when she first became the owner, "I knew this outcome was a possibility. But I moved forward with faith, hope, and a deep love for books and this community. I truly believed I could keep this store alive. Sadly, despite that belief--and despite your loyal support--the time has come to face a bittersweet truth: love alone doesn't pay the bills, and passion can't keep the lights on."
Wheeler cited online competition, e-readers, ongoing supply chain challenges, and steadily increasing overhead costs as factors in her decision to close the bookshop, noting: "I've given everything I could--emotionally, physically, and financially--but I can no longer carry the weight. It's time to move on. Time to pass the torch--not to another owner, but to all of you who will carry a piece of this place with you: in the books you've taken home, the conversations we've shared, and the moments this space made possible....
"I want to take this opportunity to thank every one of you who chose to shop local--who made the effort to support this bookstore through thick and thin. Your kindness and loyalty allowed me to keep the doors open as long as I have.... From the bottom of my heart: thank you for being a part of this chapter in my story."