Two locally owned bookstores in Northern Virginia have announced that they are closing for good this month. A Thousand Stories in downtown Herndon will have its last day on December 21, and Hooray for Books in Alexandria will close after December 31.
A Thousand Stories
A Thousand Stories opened in 2022 in Herndon, where it shares a space with ArtsHerndon. The owners said in an Instagram post that the building would be closing next year due to upcoming development in downtown Herndon as a result of a redevelopment plan from Comstock.
Though Comstock announced early this month that it would no longer be pursuing those redevelopment plans, A Thousand Stories will still be closing, as it has not been able to find a larger space to move into, FFXNow reported.
Shoppers can visit the store until December 21. Current hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Books in stock will be on sale, between 20 and 40 percent off, as the owners work to clear the shelves.
“Thank you to all our wonderful customers and friends for making our little bookstore possible,” A Thousand Stories said on Instagram. A Thousand Stories is at 750 Center St., Herndon.
Hooray for Books
Meanwhile, bookstore Hooray for Books in Old Town Alexandria has announced it will not open in the new year. This is a children’s bookstore that has expanded to include adult and YA sections and also stocks several games and toys.
In a notice posted to its website, Hooray for Books said that the building’s landlord will not be renewing the lease, as they “have plans to remodel the space for their own use.”
“Hooray for Books! will not be sold or relocating – it’s time to conclude our story,” the statement said. “We’re thankful for the support and love we’ve received from loyal customers and bookish friends during our nearly 17 years in business. You’ve helped us survive the Great Recession, multiple flash floods, and the COVID Pandemic. Endings are hard to write, but now’s the time to do just that.”
The store will be open daily until December 31, except December 25.
Those who have placed special orders and cannot pick them up before December 31 can call the store by January 8 to pay and provide a shipping address. Those who have gift certificates or store credit can call by January 8 to get a refund. Hooray for Books is at 1555 King St., Alexandria.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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