After nearly four decades of bringing people together through the shared love of reading, Sundance Books is closing its doors.

Located in the historic Levy House built in 1906, the bookstore has been open since 1985. Even as big box stores and e-books became more popular, customers say Sundance was still a place that readers, book lovers, and storytellers called home. One local poet, Shaun Griffin, describes it as a cornerstone of the region’s literary history, adding that many authors got their start through readings at the store. As one of the few independent bookstores in the area, Griffin says Sundance carried one of the best collections of poetry in the region and allowed local authors to see their work on the shelves.

I think poets and writers are going to be, they’re going to be missing their presence for a long time.

The store is still accepting gift certificates and coupons until the closing date on May 31st. There is a closing celebration planned but a date has not been announced and it’s unclear what will happen to the leftover books once they close.