Burien Books is on the market

This could be the end of the neighborhood bookstore. Burien Books, longtime independent neighborhood bookstore, is on the market.

Charming and cozy, this shop with old world charm can be found on Southwest 152nd Street, next to the red brick Key Bank building in downtown Burien.

A variety of books greet each customer entering the shop, ranging from local historical books, fiction and nonfiction, new and used books, greeting cards and a delightful children's corner.

"The shop has a little of everything, but specializes in children's books and always has a wonderful supply of classics," said former employee Elizabeth Desimone.

The bookstore's owner for over fifty years, Virginia Pearce, passed away recently at the age of 95 and her nephew, Joe Wisen, is selling the shop. It is part of the estate and with other businesses to manage, Wisen cannot keep it going.

"We are actively trying to sell it and if it doesn't sell quickly we will have to close it down," said Joe Wisen.

"It has some value to it, in that everyone knows where it is," said Wisen.

Close to Burien Books is the new Burien Town Square, which has finally opened and will, in the long haul, revitalize downtown Burien with its new condominiums, retail shops, restaurants, public library and city hall. Unfortunately the economic downturn has put the condos and retail spaces in limbo.

"Old Town Burien looks like a ghost town at the moment. However, with the business district revitalization it's just a matter of time before the spaces sell and the whole of 152nd comes alive," said Wisen.

According to Marian Floyd, who has worked at the bookstore for 17 years, if an enthusiastic person with vision, energy and a passion for books took over the bookstore, maybe added a coffee shop area, it would be successful.

"It's nice but could be nicer," she said.