Save Westsider Rare & Used Books, Please

“I guess if somebody did a crowd funder and raised $50,000. I’d do it. Don’t see that happening though.” -Dorian Thornley (Owner of Westsider Rare & Used Books) 

Westsider Books, a small bookstore that has survived for 35 years at 2246 Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets, is closing, management announced on the company’s Facebook page on Monday.

David, an employee at the store, confirmed the closing, and said he too had just heard the news from the owner. “It’s a big surprise,” he said. “Though on the other hand I’m not surprised. Everyone’s having trouble, even Barnes & Noble.”

David said he thinks the store will close toward the end of February. 

Customers reminisced as they browsed the store on Tuesday.

“I’m sad. I’ve been coming here for many, many years,” said Linda Herskovic. “There’s always something here for me. I keep hearing that all these smaller bookstores are opening and doing well. I’m not sure what’s happening. I know people in this neighborhood read.”

Others bemoaned the loss of small shops on the Upper West Side.

“Another delightful little corner spot is being wiped out, to join an ever-widening collection of empty storefronts in this neighborhood,” said James Libby. “It’s part of a sorrowful process.”