The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop, which opened in 2021 in Niwot, Colo., will close December 9. The Left Hand Valley Courier reported that the children's bookstore "has been a warm, welcoming place for community members and authors alike. It showcased local authors and diverse perspectives, and catered to young readers and those young at heart. The owners cited a failure to meet financial goals as leading to the closing."
Store manager Alison Kane said that since the closure announcement, there has been an outpouring of support from local authors and community members. "Many reached out with concern for the staff, asking what was next for them, and many simply came to express their sadness about the shop closing," the Courier noted.
"So many have come in person, called and left voicemails and sent wonderful e-mails describing the incredible impact we have had on their family, and getting their kids excited about reading," said Kane. "I have also heard that many kids and teens viewed the bookshop as a safe space where they could come on bad days and know they would be welcomed by smiling faces. TWJ was my dream job and I will always cherish my time here. Niwot is an amazing town and I feel lucky to have been a part of and positively impacted the community here."
All December events and preorder campaigns organized by TWJ have been taken over by Second Star to the Right Books in Denver. Kane will also move to Second Star.