Bookstore closing an 8-year chapter

SPRINGVILLE — Sometimes, even the best decisions can be the hardest ones to make.

For Roger and Margy Layton, owners of Springville's lone independent bookstore, The Read Leaf, the decision to close their landmark business was a tough one to make, one tempered only by the surety that it was the right decision at the right time.

"We had a good opportunity, because great people are going to buy," Roger Layton said. "So it was sort of like the opportunity presented itself at a time we were willing to make the transition. It's very complicated, but it boils down to it being the right decision for our family."

The Read Leaf will remain open through the first week in August to liquidate its remaining inventory, at which time a local store specializing in toys and children's books will move into the building.

And while the Laytons struggle with the feeling that they are betraying their customers by closing, they're trying to focus on the good memories.

"I'm just really glad we did it," Margy Layton said. "It was hard, but I know we're making the right choice. I'm glad that we're doing it more from a position of strength than from a position of being run out of town by the big guys."

The Laytons began their business selling used books online about eight years ago, and have seen it take on a life of its own in that time. As the number of online book sellers grew from about 1,500, at the time they started, to an estimated 13,000 now, the Laytons moved their business into a renovated pizza parlor and transitioned to new books.

Chain stores like Borders and Barnes and Noble were setting up shop in northern Utah County at the time, but the Laytons say they never felt much competition from them.

"We discovered that we were far enough away . . . that we were a relief for people," Margy Layton said.

The Laytons say many of their first customers seemed confused by the concept of a small, independent bookstore, so to give their business a bigger spot in the community, they began sponsoring social events like a Friday night concert series and children's story time.

"We really wanted this store to be part of the community, to be a venue for music and a place where people could meet," Roger Layton said, "and for quite a while that's what it was."