The Mystery Bookstore will close
The Mystery Bookstore will close at the end of the month, owners Kirk Pasich and Pamela Woods announced Tuesday in an e-mail to friends.
"We've enjoyed your books and getting to know you, and the kindness and generosity of spirit you've shown us -- as well as your visits and signings," the two wrote. "Unfortunately, we, too, are going the way of too many independent bookstores. We simply cannot compete with the Amazons of the world and the impact of the economy."
The Mystery Bookstore has consistently brought bestselling authors into the store for readings and signings. Writers scheduled to appear later this month include Robert Crais and T. Jefferson Parker. What's more, it's also made an effort to utilize social media, with more than 1,100 fans on Facebook, where it actively promotes its events. None of that was enough to make its brick-and-mortar store a solid, ongoing concern (there is a possibility its online presence may continue).
The Mystery Bookstore is on Broxton in the heart of Westwood, where UCLA is located. After the recent closing of the nearby Border's, the Mystery Bookstore was the last surviving bookstore in the neighbohood, apart from the university's own.
That will end on Jan. 31, the Mystery Bookstore's last day. It will hold a farewell party that day, starting at 6 p.m.
-- Carolyn Kellogg
Photo: Author James Ellroy with Linda Brown from the Mystery Bookstore at the 2010 L.A. Times Festival of Books. Credit: The Mystery Bookstore.
Horrible. The owners Kirk and Pam, the staff Bobby, Linda and the others, are civic treasures, knowledgeable in mysteries and in how to make a place special.
Meg Whitman, looking for something to do with your money now that the election's over?
Posted by: Mr. Peabody | January 11, 2011 at 03:32 PM
Oh no......I love this store. I've gotten many gems off their shelves......This is too sad.....
Posted by: Kristina Krause | January 11, 2011 at 11:36 PM
This is heartbreaking. The Mystery Bookstore experience has been one of the true treasures of Westwood. The author events have always been so wonderful and worth my drives from San Diego to attend. Thanks to Pam, Kirk, Bobby, Linda and the entire staff. Your the best!!!
Posted by: Micheal Higginbotham | January 12, 2011 at 08:16 AM
Those of us following the state budget crisis are also concerned to see more (sales tax) revenue disappear. Budgets from public institutions such as libraries are on the chopping block currently. Yet some of these same institutions support vendors such as Amazon that are not collecting the mandated sales tax.
Posted by: Andrea | January 13, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Another great loss. So sorry to hear this...
Posted by: Ken Isaacson | January 15, 2011 at 07:43 AM
although it is always sad when a bookstore closes, here is some good news: the kaufman brentwood branch library has a bookstore on the second floor, filled with new or gently used books in all categories. most of our books are less than $5.00 and all the income goes back into the library -- so important especially now with recent budget cuts.
our address is: 11820 san vicente blvd. (parking lot in back) ph. 310-575-8273 (please call for hours, as we are staffed by volunteers.)
please come visit!
a. jacobs
bookstore manager
Posted by: AVIVA JACOBS | January 18, 2011 at 01:58 PM