WISN reports that The Little Read Book, an independent bookstore nestled in the village of Wauwatosa, is turning its final page on July 18, closing down after 40 years of serving local bibliophiles. Founded by Linda Burg in 1985, the shop initially set roots on Harwood Avenue before moving to its long-standing location on State Street in 1989. Overcoming economic downturns and a global pandemic, the store has remained a steadfast community hub through the loyalty of its customers, as reported by WISN.
According to a joint announcement from the Village of Wauwatosa and the store’s co-owners, Linda and Fred Burg, the decision to close was made with family in mind; the couple expressed a desire to step back from their daily responsibilities to cherish more time with their eight grandchildren. A sale of the bookstore’s full inventory will begin on June 15, giving patrons one last chance to claim a piece of literary history from the store's extensive collection, as per JSOnline.
The Little Read Book's longstanding presence has more than just sold books; it has cultivated a space where readers and ideas could congregate, a service beyond price in an era of screened isolations. In recalling the store's origins on Harwood Avenue, Linda Burg reminisces about the former location that now operates as Firefly Tosa's kitchen, demonstrating the fluid narrative of local businesses, where stories unfold in layers, as rich as the books lining the shelves.
We are "ready to not have responsibilities," Linda Burg said, pondering on the future ahead, "and look forward to spending more time with their grandchildren," in a statement echoed by TMJ4.
