Ranch's Little Bookworms to close

Lakewood Ranch's beloved children's book store, Little Bookworms, will close this week.

Heidi Allwood, who owns the shop with her mother, Holly Baracchini, said a decline in the book-selling industry and the recession have made it impossible for the story to stay open any longer.

"We truly appreciate each and every one of our customers who have supported Little Bookworms for the past six years," an email blast to patrons reads. "Thank you for making our store such a special place in the community and in our hearts."

For a complete story, see the Aug. 11 issue of the East County Observer.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].