What Factors Contributed to the Decision for Jason Books to Close in Auckland?
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Jason Books, Auckland’s oldest surviving bookstore, has announced it will cease operations after 55 years of serving the literary community. The cherished establishment will close its doors for the final time by the end of 2024, bringing an end to a significant chapter in the city’s treasured cultural institution.
The second-hand bookshop has been a beloved spot for book lovers, collectors, and historians alike, it’s located on O’Connell Street in the city’s central business district. The announcement in October 2024 has brought sorrow to loyal customers and signifies a profound loss for the book lovers in Auckland.
A Literary Legacy in Auckland
Jason Books was founded in 1969 and has become more than just a bookstore over the past five decades. It has been a sanctuary for readers and a space where literature lovers could find rare and eclectic collections. Starting out on High Street, the store eventually settled in its current home on O’Connell Street after multiple relocations.
The bookshop fostered a community of readers; it has been a meeting place for writers, academics, and everyday readers looking for a unique space to connect over literature. The shop also hosted book launches and literary events that added to its charm and importance in the cultural life of Auckland.
The store’s dedicated staff became known for their deep knowledge of literature and their ability to recommend books that customers would not find in larger, commercial bookshops.
Why Is It Closing?
Jason Books has faced increasing difficulties in recent years. The decision to close the bookshop is a combination of changing consumer habits, fierce competition from online retailers, and rising costs, which have made it difficult for small independent bookshops to survive.
Maud Cahill has owned Jason Books since 2002, but after 22 years, she is retiring. “While it has been an incredible journey, the reality of keeping a physical bookshop afloat in today’s digital age has become increasingly difficult.”
Impact on Auckland’s Literary Community
The impending closure of Jason Books represents a significant cultural loss for Auckland. Local authors such as Eleanor Catton and Pip Adam, along with long-time patrons, have expressed their sadness at the announcement. Many took to social media to share their memories, with some describing Jason Books as a place where they first discovered their love for reading.
The store’s unique atmosphere, filled with the smell of old books and the quiet murmur of thoughtful conversations, will be sorely missed by many.
Part of a Global Trend
The struggles experienced by Jason Books in Auckland reflect a troubling trend for independent bookstores globally. As they contend with the overwhelming presence of online retailers and digital media, many have been forced to close their doors.
Fellow independent bookshops like Hard to Find Books and The Open Book are still in business in Auckland, yet they too face daunting financial hurdles. The survival of these beloved local institutions hangs in the balance.
For Jason Books, the decision to close follows a broader trend of traditional bookshops battling to survive in the modern retail landscape. The charm of browsing in a physical bookstore is still cherished by many, but the economic realities of running such a business are increasingly difficult to manage.
What Happens Next?
The bookshop will host final clearance sales for customers to pick up books at discounted prices. The owners are also planning a farewell event to allow the community to celebrate the bookstore’s rich legacy and share memories.