Beloved bookstore in Highlands closing after 21 years, leaves community heartbroken

A beloved Highlands neighbourhood bookstore and cafe will soon close its doors for good. 

For 21 years Mandolin Books and Coffee Company has been more than a place to grab a cup of coffee or peruse for books — it's become a cultural hub and gathering spot for many Edmontonians.

The closure, set for the end of September, has left both the owner, Lianne Traynor, and patrons grieving the loss of what many described as an irreplaceable part of the community. 

"They're all expressing their condolences almost as if, as if I've lost a loved one," Traynor told CBC's Edmonton AM. 

"In a sense, we all have lost. We are all losing a treasured community space and there is a lot of grief."

Traynor said the original owners of the building were no longer able to care for it and decided to sell. Traynor said she considered purchasing the building with community support, but ultimately found it financially unfeasible. 

A new group purchased the building in May and in July, Traynor received an email asking her to vacate the premises by the end of September. 

"They do have a plan to use the building for one of their own businesses within their family," she said.

Since announcing the closure, there has been an outpouring of support from the community.

"Frankly, I'm overwhelmed by the support that has come our way and by the depth of people's affection and care and love for this place," she said.

The bookstore has been a favourite stop for cycling groups, book clubs, new mothers from the community out for a walk with their babies, students and faculty from nearby Concordia University of Edmonton and many others. 

Benjamin Hertwig, co-owner of Paper Birch Books, has been coming to Mandolin since he was an undergraduate at Concordia University 20 years ago. He said he was heartbroken to learn of the store's closing. 

"Heartbroken as a long time customer who has experienced so many different things here, has felt kind of the warmth and care of Lianne and previous owners," he said. 

"And as a fellow bookstore owner, just heartbroken as well that another bookstore is being kind of forced to close."

Joan Mills, who discovered the bookstore with her cycling group, Rocky Mountain Seniors, expressed her sadness.

"It's a beautiful place to stop and have a lovely drink," she said.

Traynor is currently in the process of selling all the books for 30 per cent off, but she eventually plans to sell everything in the store, including furniture, pots and mugs and other antique trinkets and things.  

"I'm hoping that the community will rally and that everybody who loves Mandolin can bring home a piece, something that speaks to them and creates a memory for them," she said.

She will run an online auction from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15 for all the furniture, kitchenware and other decor items. 

The coffee shop will officially close on Sept. 15.

Once it's all over, Traynor said she is looking forward to a break. 

"I've been running a business that's open seven days a week for 10 years. I'm tired," she said.

"This fall, I'm just going to finish up all my accounting and rest, read some books and just take some time and then whatever comes, I'm hopeful."