Customers close book at Pioneer Square bookstore

When Elliott Bay Book Co. rang up its last customer in Pioneer Square on Wednesday evening, longtime employee Rick Simonson had just unloaded a bookshelf.

Packing does not begin in earnest until Thursday morning, but Simonson wanted to make sure he had books for author signings that are being held at other venues while the iconic bookstore moves to its new home at 1521 10th Ave. on Capitol Hill.

More customers than usual for a weekday afternoon meandered among shelves at the Pioneer Square space, including Walter Carr, who founded the bookstore in 1973.

They gazed up at its brick walls and down at its creaky floors, soaking up an atmosphere they will miss.

"I've always loved this bookstore and needed to be here one more time," said Anne Nicoll of West Seattle. "It's very sad. It was so much a part of the neighborhood."

David Ing, who looks forward to visiting Elliott Bay closer to his Capitol Hill home, came to say goodbye.

"So many memories of so many books bought here. ... I found Harry Potter here before it was popular," Ing said, pointing to a shelf above the stairs that lead to Elliott Bay Café. The underground café will stay open and set up a second café inside the new bookstore.

The new store is expected to open in mid-April, and a grand opening celebration is set for April 15.

Melissa Allison: 206-464-3312 or mallison@seattletimes.com