Downtown Kalispell Bookstore to Close

Maritsa Georgiou (11/19/09)

One of Kalispell's last independently owned book stores is closing its doors.

Books West opened in downtown Kalispell in the late 1960s.

Current owner Jo Ann Jensen worked there for 8 years before buying the shop in 1979.

Jensen says it's hard for independent book stores to compete with big box stores, grocery stores and the internet. She also says it's time for her to retire.

Jensen declined an on-camera interview, but says she'll miss connecting with people and the books in her shop.

A lot of Jensen's inventory is already gone, but all remaining books are 50% off. Books West will close November 30.