Monday brought disappointing news for book lovers across the county, as the owner of Chester County Book Co. announced that the bookstore in West Goshen Shopping Center will be closing in July, writes Brian McCullough for the Daily Local News.

Kathy Simoneaux Fortney said she had decided that, after moving to a smaller space in the center three years ago, it is now time to retire.

“It is with great sadness that I am announcing Chester County Book Co. will close in July,” she wrote in a post on the bookstore’s Facebook page. “The specific date of closure is yet to be announced, and will be preceded by a liquidation sale.”

However, she pointed out that the next two months will be business as usual. They’ll continue to stock new releases and reorders.

“We are so grateful to all of our loyal customers who have supported us since 1982,” she added.“Many have become friends. We hope to see you in the store soon!”

The store found its home in the West Goshen Shopping Center nearly three decades ago, but was forced to move to a smaller space there in 2013. According to Fortney, no viable offers to buy the store have surfaced, leading to her decision to announce its upcoming closure.

While many responses to the Facebook post were laced with sadness over the closure, they also included heartfelt wishes for Fortney and her staff in their future endeavors.

Fortney hopes customers will continue to visit the store and its upcoming events starting with the celebration of Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday.

Read more about the closing at the Daily Local News here.