AUSTIN, Texas — Austin classic Malvern Books has announced that it will be closing its doors at the end of the year.
The bookstore located in Central Austin announced on its Twitter account that it will officially be closing its doors on Dec. 31. The store has been open for the last nine years on West 29th Street and has been home to all kinds of books that founder Joe Bratcher loved.
"Mostly poetry and fiction from small, independent presses. He wanted to promote writers and translators of books from other countries, while also championing the work of local writers," the store's website states.
The bookstore stated that even through the hardest times of the pandemic, it was able to stay afloat due to the loyalty of its customers. The main reason behind the closing is Bratcher's death in July.
"I can’t tell you how hard it has been to try and carry on in this space without him. Our little Malvern world has not been the same since, and, as much as we love this store and our amazing customers, Malvern Books simply cannot continue without our Joe," Malvern Books Manager Becky Garcia said in the announcement.
The bookstore will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. until the final day on Dec. 31. Masks are still required for all patrons visiting the store. Residents can also buy from the store online here.