Children's Bookstore Hooray For Books To Close After Nearly 17 Years

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A children's bookstore open for nearly 17 years in Old Town Alexandria is closing after its lease ends at the end of 2024.

Hooray for Books told customers in a newsletter that it will no longer be open in 2025 after its landlord did not extend its lease. The business cited the landlord's plans to renovate the tenant space "for their own use." The business will not reopen in another location.

"We’re thankful for the support and love we’ve received from loyal customers and bookish friends during our nearly 17 years in business," the business shared. "You’ve helped us survive the Great Recession, multiple flash floods, and the COVID Pandemic. Endings are hard to write, but now’s the time to do just that."

The independently-owned Hooray for Books specializes in children's books, toys, games and puzzles. It often holds events like author events and story time.

According to the business, Dec. 9 will be the last day customers can buy gift cards, and Dec. 31 will be the last day of business and last chance to use gift cards, store credit and rewards. Customers can order books to deliver by mail through Dec. 11 and order books for in-person pickup through Dec. 13. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 and closed on Dec. 25.