Bryan Prince Bookseller — an independent bookstore in the Westdale neighbourhood — is closing its doors Thursday, after 29 years in the community.

The store name is gold against the dark teal storefront, its single door nested in the cradle of two large glass displays where pedestrians can get a view of the books.

Kerry Cranston-Reimer, owner of the bookstore, said she doesn't want the closure to play into the ongoing conversation about ebooks and online retailers like Amazon killing physical books and independent bookstores.

"There will always be books printed and those who love to devour their pages," she said in a media release.

"There are many unique factors that have led to this decision, and it has not been made lightly or in haste."

A community fixture

Founder Bryan Prince stepped away from the store several years ago.

Bryan Prince Bookseller won the Canadian Booksellers Association Libris Award for Best Bookstore in Canada in 2001, and was shortlisted for the same award in 2012.

In the statement there was recognition of Prince's work building the store. "Thank you to Bryan for creating the canvas on which this was all realized."

Aside from selling books, the bookstore regularly hosted events, such as book launches and those led by non-profit organizations.

It also regularly supported local groups and organizations, such as Hamilton Public Library and Grandmothers of Steel.

Cranston-Reimer said the bookstore has always been "more than just a place to buy a book."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the book lovers, writers, poets, publishers, community partners, neighbours and friends who helped us achieve so much through the years."

The bookstore has been open since February 1989, and will be closing on March 29.