Is it finally the end for NYC’s St. Mark’s Bookshop? Inside the new Prescott, Ariz., bookstore, the Purple Cat. And more details about the new stores coming to Milwaukee and Washington, D.C.

Events
African American Children’s Book Fair in Philly (Feb. 6): For the 24th year authors and illustrators will appear at the Community College of Philadelphia.

Openings & Closings
Grand Opening for the Purple Cat: Owner Shari Graham is planning to celebrate the opening of her used bookstore, which specializes in romance and mystery, in Prescott, Ariz., today and tomorrow.

The Voyageur Book Shop to Open in Milwaukee in March: Jeremy Mericle and Blaine Wesselowski, who worked in Milwaukee’s Renaissance Book Shop, plan to open a used and new bookstore of their own.

East City Bookshop to Open on Capitol Hill: A grand opening is planned for April 30 for D.C.’s newest bookstore, the third to open on Capitol Hill.

The Antiquarians Antique and Books Going Out of Business: The Dalton, Ga., bookstore will begin a going out of business sale later this month.

Malibu Bank of Books to Close in April: The bookstore, which opened in 2012, will close due to stagnating sales. Diesel, A Bookstore closed its Malibu location in 2014.

Other News
Uncertainty Over the Fate of St. Mark’s: The NYC bookshop, which seemed like it would prevail over its financial woes when a potential investor coming forward in mid-January, has taken an additional hit. On Thursday it launched a 50% off, cash-only clearance sale for books and magazines.

Petition Launched for UConn Coop: Supporters of the UConn Co-op, which is considering going with a corporate operator, launched a petition on change.org, which has garnered nearly 5,000 signatures to keep the store independent.

Badlands Bookstore on Lower East Side: When indie publishers Badlands Unlimited moved to new offices, they created a partnership with the 99-cent store beneath their office and called it “Y.oung P.ublisher 99¢ & Up.” A shelf at the front of the store sells badland titles.

Main Street Books Refresh: The 29-year-old bookstore, which is co-owned by Adah Fitzgerald her mother, Mary Barone, who bought it last year, is temporarily closed until mid-February while the interior is being refurbished. Updates will be made to the exterior throughout the year.

Clues Unlimited in Tucson Turns 20: Owner Christine Burke attributes the tiny (600 sq. ft.) store’s longevity to staying focused on crime and mystery along with thrillers, history, southwest, cooking and animals.

Nicole Sullivan Joins Paz & Associates: The owner of Denver’s BookBar will work with booksellers who want to learn more about the food and beverage business.