The bookstore noted it is closing with just a few words that included: “Thank you for letting us serve the community.”
The Barnes & Noble Bookstore location has been serving the Waterbury Community for 28 years.
The closing date is Jan. 18, 2026 for the store at 235 Union St, Waterbury.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the closing of this Barnes & Noble bookstore as our lease has ended,” the business noted on Facebook, often the place of choice for Connecticut businesses to share news directly with customers.
“Thank you for your continued patronage,” the business posted, also encouraging customers to go now instead to its Cheshire location. (Shops at Stone Bridge, Highland Avenue.)
Staff at the store said employees there could not speak to the media. A request for comment was sent to the corporate office.
As is customary, customers immediately reacted to the Waterbury store’s closing on social media.
“I’m so sorry to see this, you will be tremendously missed!,” one wrote.
Others agreed: “This is so sad! We have nothing left in Waterbury now. Always my go to store,don’t know where I will get books now.everyone in the store was always helpful and kind and knowledgeable. You will all be sorely missed.”
A lament for social issues, including literacy rates in the nation, was included.
“This is so incredibly disappointing and frankly infuriating. As a life-long Waterbury resident who has frequented this B+N location regularly for the entirety of its operation, it’s such a slap in the face to know we are being abandoned for the likes of Southbury and Cheshire. At a time when literacy rates in our nation are at an extreme low, most especially in areas of socio-economic depression (such as Waterbury), this is such an elitist move,” a customer posted, also noting they had been supporting to Barnes & Noble over other booksellers.
“Good luck to the B+N workers who have been in Waterbury for decades. You have always been wonderful,” they wrote.
Waterbury as a city had a tough time this month when a major water pipe ruptured.
Others took a lighter note, “But you are only 6 minutes from my house and the one in Cheshire is 12 minutes away. That’s twice as long. How will I survive?” one customer posted. The person then added, “All joking aside, you have been a treasured member of the community and you will be greatly missed. Thank you for the memories, Waterbury Barnes and Noble.”
Others shared memories.
“I had the pleasure of working at this location for a short period of time, years ago. What a great store to visit for many, many, many years. Amazing staff and customers,” a customer said.
Still others noted they like the current local location, one saying it was “The one good thing left at Brass Mills”
“The new Southbury & Cheshire ones are so small in comparison. You will be missed— good luck to all the booksellers in your next endeavors!,” they wrote.
Another noted, “I just went to the Southbury store for the first time last week and I left and said I prefer the Waterbury store. Now I see this. So so sad. Such a great store with great atmosphere and bigger book selection.”
Still more said the store took special care of local authors.
“This store was very generous to this author. Thank you to all who work and worked here. Dear Robin, you have been an angel on earth. Thank you,” one shared.
“How very sad! Loved this Barnes and Noble. They showed support for local authors and were always welcoming. The staff was amazing and always friendly. Robin has been the best to work with on events. Wishing all the staff the best,” another said.
And finally, a customer shared, “just so sad.”
The store also noted on social media: “Going, Going, GONE… Get that’s series you’ve had your eyes on! All Books are 50% off!” at that location.