Rockland Post Desk
The large bookstore, which has been part of the Nanuet retail landscape for 33 years, is expected to shut its doors in January 2026 after the company was unable to renew its lease at the shopping center. The decision marks the end of an era for many local residents who grew up browsing its aisles, attending book signings, or spending quiet afternoons reading in its café.
For years, the Nanuet location served as more than just a bookstore. It was a place where parents brought children for story time, students met up to study, and longtime customers discovered new authors while chatting with staff who knew their tastes. During holidays, the store was often packed with shoppers searching for last-minute gifts, calendars, and bestsellers.
The closure reflects ongoing changes in brick-and-mortar retail, particularly for large-format stores facing rising rents and shifting shopping habits. While Barnes & Noble has seen renewed success nationally and plans to open new locations in other regions, some long-standing stores — including Nanuet’s — have become casualties of local leasing and redevelopment pressures.
With the Rockland Plaza store closing, the nearest Barnes & Noble for many county residents will be the location at the Palisades Center in West Nyack. Independent bookstores and libraries may also see increased interest from readers looking to replace a familiar community space.
As word of the closure spreads, many customers have shared memories of late-night browsing, first jobs, school book fairs, and the simple comfort of wandering through shelves without a specific plan. While the lights will soon go out at the Nanuet Barnes & Noble, its role in the everyday life of the community won’t be forgotten.