ROCKLAND — Warren Bodine announced today that the Reading Corner in downtown Rockland will close permanently in January. The Reading Corner has been a fixture on Maine Street since 1975.

“We are really reluctant to leave Rockland without a bookstore of its own,” said Business Manager Brian Harden, on Christmas Eve. “But we know we have to do this.”

The independent bookstore was purchased by Bodine in August 1978. He moved it across the street the following year after he renovated the building at 408 Main Street.

There, the business flourished, and soon became well known for its creative windows, frequent author signings and other events and its personal service to a wide spectrum of customers, according to a Dec. 24 news release.

Bodine attributes much of the success of those years to his capable staff and to the loyalty of his patrons.

Harden was hired in July 1978 and has worked almost every day for more than 35 years. The retail clerks, led by Doris Huber for more than 25 years, were always customer-oriented and often knew what certain people wanted to read as soon as new books arrived.

“Several of those clerks stayed at the Reading Corner for up to 20 years or more and developed strong relationships with the public,” the release said.

“Bodine expressed great satisfaction with his years in Rockland’s downtown and reluctance about closing his business. But, he also pointed out that publishing and book selling have undergone huge changes in the past 10 years. Warren feels that many of those changes have worked against the survival of the independent book store and in favor of large chain stores and on line shopping.

“He stated firmly that the Reading Corner would not have lasted as long as it has without an unusual amount of loyalty from its local customers and without the viability of Rockland’s downtown shopping district. And he hopes that the community will support and sustain that downtown for many years to come.”

Bodine is open to all options.

“He has not actively marketed either the building or the business, but would be willing for the Reading Corner to reopen under new ownership and he is not anxious but would consider selling the building consisting of 404 and 408 Main Street under the right circumstances,” the release said.

He personally plans to continue his community service and remain retired from the responsibilities of business ownership. The Reading Corner will close for regular business on Saturday, Jan. 3; will stay closed the week of Jan. 4 to 11; and reopen for a Going Out of Business Sale on Monday, Jan. 12. The sale will run through much of January and end by the 31st. Gift certificates and credits should be used as soon as possible and will be accepted throughout the sale. Also, the staff will special order books at regular prices during the sale. For questions, call 596-6651 between 9 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.