A Great Good Place for Books in Oakland, Calif., will close permanently after 22 years in business, KVTU reported.
On April 30, owner Kathleen Caldwell announced that "through many tears, difficult conversations, and sleepless nights," she had decided to close the bookstore in the weeks ahead.
"I have loved being a part of your community, watching your children grow up, being their safe place, turning you onto that book I just couldn't put down, and introducing you to the authors who have set your imaginations on fire," Caldwell wrote. "Sadly, it's time for me to step away."
In an interview with KVTU, Caldwell explained that the bookstore has faced financial difficulties since the Covid-19 pandemic, as the "crowd never came back after Covid." Last holiday season and the start of 2026 were slow, and keeping the bookstore running became untenable. "You're putting more money into the store than you're taking out," she said. "It's not viable."
In the wake of Caldwell's announcement, Caldwell's sister launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her transition into retirement. It has so far raised more than $27,000 out of a $35,000 goal.
"I don't consider this giving up," Caldwell told KVTU. "I consider this going out gracefully. I'm going out with love and telling this amazing village how much they mean to me."