Walls of Books in Park View to close after four great years
/Walls of Books opened in 2016
Walls of Books at 3325 Georgia Avenue NW opened four years ago to much anticipation. In those four years, the independent bookstore has been a location for community events, fundraisers, children’s activities and stack after stack of books. The store will officially close on February 2nd at 3pm.
The closing is coming from a combination of reasons, said owner Pablo Sierra. “The financial aspect is definitely a part of the decision, but it’s the time and energy part that has been driving this decision for a while.” He said it’s a bittersweet choice between the pressures of working at a different full time job, having a new baby at home, and keeping the energy needed to maintain a small business.
Owner Pablo Sierra (photo courtesy Walls of Books)
“It’s a tough call,” Pablo said, talking about the decision to close. “Things are a little raw. It takes a lot of time, energy and money to run a small business. Right now we have a lot of things going on in our lives.”
Pablo said with a seven-month old baby at home, his other job and other pressures, he decided the best thing to do was to focus on his family. “I’m looking forward to finally being less anxious hopefully,” Pablo said with a small laugh.
A “self-confessed introvert,” Pablo said it takes a lot to keep the store involved and active in the community.
“Customer service, community engagement and book diversity are critical to the success of the store,” Pablo said in 2016. “And being an introvert, learning about customer service and community engagement has been tough.”
Kids yoga and storytelling was very popular at Walls of Books (photo: Pablo Sierra)
Pablo said while the store is closing on Sunday, he’s open to other people potentially taking Walls of Books over and keeping the store active in the community. “It’s not just selling books, it’s about community and the people.” Those interested can email him for information.
The closing of the store is definitely a loss to the Park View and Petworth neighborhoods. We wish much success — and less stress — for Pablo and his growing family.
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