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After almost two decades in the business of providing the city's book enthusiasts with food for thought, beloved Sanlitun institution The Bookworm looks to close its doors on Monday, Nov 11.
A statement issued via the bookstore's official WeChat account on Tuesday afternoon described how, "Despite our best efforts, we appear to have fallen prey to the ongoing cleanup of 'illegal structures,' and we have not been able to secure an extension of our lease," adding, "This is particularly disappointing given that, despite many challenges, at this time The Bookworm remains a thriving business with stronger, more diverse links to the wider Beijing community than ever before."
The announcement goes on to say that they are currently attempting to find a new location, but for now you can support the store by heading in and buying books at a "heavily discounted" price.
The closure marks the end of a rich chapter in Beijing's literary history. Over the years, countless expats and locals climbed the store's iconic staircase, lured inside by one of the venue's many events or the warm glow of the red lanterns in their dining area. As well as providing a welcoming space for bibliophiles, The Bookworm also stood as a beacon of hope in an era where countless independent bookstores and long-time publishing houses have long since fallen under the axe.
General Manager David Cantalupo is credited with diversifying The Bookworm's offerings
First founded by Alexandra Pearson in a hutong courtyard by Sanlitun Beilu in 2002, The Bookworm was originally just a small lending library with a starting collection of English-language books scooped up at bargain prices from a UN book sale. Despite its humble origins, the library became an instant hit within the international community, as foreign-language texts were then not so easy to come by.
Multiple moves later, the library eventually settling in its current Courtyard 4 location in 2005. Much of The Bookworm's success since has been credited to general manager David Cantalupo, who along with Pearson and co-owner Peter Goff began expanding the library's offerings after the move to Courtyard 4.
US poet laureate Tracy K. Smith reads to a rapt audience
Despite a general trend away from brick-and-mortar bookstores, The Bookworm survived and thrived by developing other aspects of their business: namely by hosting regular literary and cultural events, feeding hungry bookworms with their bar and restaurant, and keeping their book and lending sections well-stocked. Additionally, the venue's annual Literary Festival attracted thousands of acclaimed local and international authors since it's inception in 2006 and grew to be one of the most highly-anticipated events on the Beijing cultural calendar.Discussions hosted by The Bookworm over the years ran the gamut of social and political topics, sometimes even touching subjects generally considered too sensitive to broach in the PRC. While undoubtedly refreshing, there is speculation that such events may have finally attracted the ire of government officials, leading directly or indirectly to the closure.
The Bookworm also once served Chengdu and Suzhou with branches of the store, which were opened by Goff in 2006 and 2007, respectively, with Pearson serving as CEO of all three locations until her departure to the UK in 2013.
As for who will take over the coveted Sanlitun spot, rumors are swirling, leaving only one thing certain: With their departure, The Bookworm leaves a sizeable hole in the expat cultural scene. Its influence and importance in the international community cannot be overstated, as evidenced by the 700-plus times that it has been mentioned by the Beijinger since our blog began in 2007. It will be sorely missed, and we hope to share the optimism of the The Bookworm's management when they say: "As soon as one door closes, another one opens, so we look forward to reconnecting with you as soon as possible."
The Bookworm is dead, long live The Bookworm.
Images courtesy of The Bookworm, Uni You