Bailey/ Coy books to close

November 5, 7:43 PMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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It was announced earlier this week that Capitol Hill's popular Bailey/ Coy Books will close at the end of November. Bailey/Coy Books, founded by Barbara Bailey in 1977, began as B. Bailey Books in the Rainier Square building  In 1982 Bailey opened a second store on Broadway  with Michael Coy which became Bailey/Coy Books. Later that year she sold the downtown store. In 2003 Barbara retired  and sold the store to Michael Wells, who had been the manager of the store since 1989.  Coy, the other former co-owner, is a manager at Ravenna Third Place Books.

Starting this week, there will be a closing sale with everything in the store marked down 20 percent (including Christmas cards). Gift certificates and redeemable book cards will be accepted until the end of November. According to an article in the Seattle Times, there will be a closing night party with a "wake".  All former staff members and customers are invited. Some of the store's memorabilia may be auctioned off.

In a statement released on Bailey/ Coy's  website

This has not been an easy decision for us. We have struggled, along with independent bookstores across the country, for the last decade to keep our bookstore profitable and healthy. The economic downturn of the past year, combined with the rapidly changing world of bookselling, has led us to believe that this is the most responsible decision.

The decision to close is certainly understandable, especially when many local and independent bookstores are closing their doors nationwide.  Even if the rumors about Elliott Bay Book Co. considering a move from Pioneer Square to Capitol Hill prove to be true, the neighborhood will be at a loss without this institution.

Sound off:  How will Bailey/ Coy's closure affect you?  What do you think? 

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