The Toronto Women's Bookstore will close its doors (once again) on November 30th. In a heartfelt note on the bookstore's Facebook page, owner Victoria Moreno, who took over the space in August 2012, explains that she did her best to keep the shop operational, but that "book markets have changed radically in the last few years." While not a for-profit business, it sounds like there was just too much red ink on the ledger to keep the doors open. That's a profound shame given the store's history and the service it provided the community it served, which was broader that you might think (I bought many a textbook there during my grad school years).

This really was more than a retail space within which to buy books, and for that reason more than any other, it'll be missed.

Read Moreno's full note below.

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It is with a mix of sadness and resignation that I inform you all that The Toronto Women's Bookstore (TWB) will be closing on Friday, November 30th, 2012. Over the course of its illustrious 39 year history, the TWB has meant many things to many people. It was already steeped in those memories for me, when, two and a half years ago, I decided to try my hand at reviving and re-branding the TWB as the vibrant and viable centre for social justice and women's issues that has defined its core values for almost four decades. For me and for many like me, it was always a safe, open and welcoming space where ideas were paramount, and where a community was given a voice. I'd like to think that in my relatively brief tenure as owner, I stayed true to the principles that defined this internationally renowned institution over the course of its history.

The fact is book markets have changed radically in the past few years. Ebooks, fierce online competition and a stagnant economy have all contributed to our business model becoming no longer sustainable. I'm closing the bookstore with the bittersweet knowledge that I did my best. I gave everything I had; physically, emotionally, and financially. I've learned a great deal about every aspect of the business and I have no regrets.

I'd like to take this opportunity to invite all friends, past and present, to a two day celebration of the Toronto Women's Bookstore, wherein we will honour the legacy of this Toronto landmark. Details of this celebration will be made available as plans coalesce.

Thanks in advance to you all for your support and please spread the word to your friends and colleagues. It's been a true pleasure working with the community these past few years and I hope to continue to enjoy the fruits of our acquaintance in all of my future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Victoria Moreno