Beloved Hamden Bookstore Could Reopen At New Location After Closure, Owner Says

HAMDEN, CT — Beloved local used bookstore Books & Company could have a second life in a new location in the spring, the owner said in an update.

In a letter recently posted to Facebook, owner Linda Mooser said while Books & Company will “definitely be closing for good” in the current location at 1235 Whitney Ave., plans are in the works for a longtime employee to take over in a new location.

Mooser said the plan is for Tamara Cypress to take the “fixtures and remaining stock left in mid-January.”

“She is working to find a new storefront to reopen Books & Company in the spring at the closest location available,” Mooser wrote in the letter.

Mooser had announced last month that she made the “difficult decision” to close Books & Company in January. Mooser cited health issues, she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis seven years ago and is now in her mid-70s, and said it was time to “slow down and begin a new chapter. I’m certain that it’s time – even though it hurts.”

Then in an update following an outpouring of support from the community, Mooser also said that the building’s owner planned to sell it in the near future, so someone taking over the lease at the current space wasn’t an option.

Books & Company, which first opened in 1995, offers trade credit for books and also sells jewelry, greeting cards, gifts, and has a popular café with coffee, pastries and more.

In the latest update, Mooser said all trade credit remaining after January “will be honored when the new location is up and running.”

“Let me say, once again, that it has been an honor to own Books & Company for nearly 30 years,” she wrote. “You have helped make it the incredibly special place it has been over the decades with your friendship and support.

“Thank you for being part of my dream come true.”

The store’s supporters were relieved and happy to hear the news of the new location.

One person wrote in the comments under the Facebook post, “Awesome news! Tamara has been such a devoted B&C staff member, totally invested in the mission of ‘and company.’ Can't wait to see where she takes this incredible one-of-a-kind community resource that Linda and Fran have created over the years.”

Another person wrote, “Linda, I am sure this has been so hard for you. Best wishes on your next adventure, whatever that may be. Thank you for creating such an awesome place, that has grown and moved and kept up with us. Looking forward to the next iteration of Books & Co.”