Capitola Mall Bookstore To Close After 8 Years Of Library Support

CAPITOLA, CA —The Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries announced the permanent closure of their Capitola Mall bookstore, effective March 31, 2026. The bookstore has operated since March 5, 2018, providing community members with books while generating funds for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries system.

Toni Campbell, Chair of the Capitola Friends, highlighted the bookstore's achievements, noting that much has been accomplished "using donated space, donated books, and of course, volunteer help" by "selling books, one and two bucks a piece." The Capitola Library Friends initially focused on fundraising for the Capitola Branch Library's capital campaign following the passage of measure S.

Following the library's completion, the Friends shifted their efforts to funding the installation of solar panels and storage batteries for the Capitola Library. This solar installation is now nearing completion as the bookstore prepares for its final day of operation. Christopher Platt, Director of Libraries for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries system, expressed gratitude for the program's impact.

Platt said, "Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Capitola Library in particular are grateful for the support of the Bookstore program over these 8 years." He added that this support "has enriched our programming and added to the long-term energy resilience of the library itself."

The Friends also acknowledged the dedication of Toni Campbell and the volunteer corps, currently consisting of 26 individuals, for their efforts in collecting and selling books.

Merlone Geier Partners, through Brian Kirk, General Manager at the Capitola Mall, provided the store space at no cost. Kirk stated, "We are proud of the amazing impact our partnership with the Friends of the Capitola Library and their volunteers has had on the construction and completion of our local library."

The bookstore will remain open to the public in the Capitola Mall until March 31, 2026.

Operating hours are Monday: 12 pm-5 pm, Tuesday: 11 am - 5 pm, and Wednesday-Sunday: 11 am-6 pm.