Acres of Books to close

Unable to relocate after nearly 75 years in business, Acres of Books, the giant literature warehouse downtown, will sell its inventory and close to make way for an urban redevelopment project.

"Store Closing" signs have been taped to storefront windows on Long Beach Boulevard, and owners Phil and Jackie Smith have begun discounting merchandise, reducing store hours and canceling music and arts events.


Since notices were sent out, the store has been mobbed by loyal customers.

The Smiths, who agreed in April to sell the property, said they could not find a location large enough in Southern California to hold their inventory, estimated at up to 1 million volumes. Acres of Books, which opened in 1934, has about 12,000 square feet of floor space and 6 1/2 miles of shelving. The store plans to close when the inventory is sold.