The San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe in Southern California is closing next month. On its website, the store wrote, in part, "After nearly 44 years of retail in San Marino, owner Betty Takeuchi is retiring to enjoy more time with her family.
"Over the past four decades, we have been honored to be San Gabriel Valley's shopping destination for toys, books and gifts for children of all ages. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to become friends with thousands of customers, including parents, teachers and librarians, while helping to build generations of dedicated readers and avid toy fans.
"This has been an amazing journey and we sincerely thank you for your patronage and support. It is our honor to have been a part of the community and you will be missed."
Takeuchi, who founded the store in 1975, was president of the Association of Booksellers for Children from 1987 to 1991.