Village Books Closes With Heartfelt Farewell

When Village Books owner Katie O'Laughlin walked into her then-brand new bookstore 14 years ago, she thought, "Today, my life will change." This week when she walked into the store, the shelves were almost empty. Once again she said, "Today, my life will change."

On Thursday, Palisadians said goodbye to Village Books, a place that many had relied on not only for great literary advice but also as a sign of stability. Many people who attended the closing night events along Swarthmore Avenue said Village Books was a place to come in from the rain, to meet friends and find the perfect gift.

Thursday night's events kicked off with a book signing by Pacific Palisades Honorary Mayor Sugar Ray Leonard. Copies of Leonard's book, The Big Fight, were flying off the shelves as the line grew outside the store, wrapping around Monument Street.

Attendees came not only to toast O'Laughlin and shake hands with the honorary mayor, but also to share memories. Many residents raised their voices, along with their glasses of Champagne, to tell stories of how O'Laughlin remembered to call when their favorite authors stopped by; or how her staff recommended books that they continue to buy as gifts for friends and loved ones.

Village Books will continue to share favorite authors on its website store. However, many Village Books fans said it won't be the same. For O'Laughlin, the shift online is something she is still trying to wrap her head around.

"This is the next chapter. That's what everyone tells me," she said. "I'm just not sure I believe it yet."

When she closes most nights, she sits in the big, turquoise armchair near the picture window and looks down at the mural beneath her feet, O'Laughlin said. Her dad is one of the men featured in that mural of authors. She says she's had many conversations with that image of her father, who died one year before the store opened.  What she said to her father when the doors closed permanently Thursday night is between O'Laughlin and the famous names that once lined the shelves of 1049 Swarthmore.

• To visit Village Books online, click here.

Patch will have video from the memorable event to share soon.