The original news broke by The Dartmouth described the situation as a lack of agreement on terms of a lease renewal at the 33 S. Main St. property in Hanover. As a result of the closure, Hanover will be one of only a few prominent college towns in the country to not have a bookstore selling new books. The only alternative option in town is Left Bank Books, 9 Main St., second floor; however, the shop only sells used, rare, and out-of-print books.

Jay Campion, managing trustee for the building's family ownership group, told the Valley News that he would rather keep the doors open at the bookstore in order to benefit the greater Upper Valley, Hanover, and Dartmouth. Nonetheless, the lease is still set to expire on Dec. 31. Campion cited Barnes & Noble’s global downsizing efforts as a part of the problem. Barnes & Noble has owned the store since 2009, but has been its main operator since 2004.

The Dartmouth Bookstore has not held nor sold academic textbooks for a considerable amount of time. Many Dartmouth students, The Valley News reported, acquire textbooks online or via rental agreements at Wheelock Books and/or the campus library.

Dartmouth College students founded the original bookstore in 1872 in the space by the corner of South Main and West Wheelock streets now occupied by Dirt Cowboy Cafe. It moved to its current location in 1963. It has never been affiliated with Dartmouth College.

Prior to the store’s closing, shoppers can take advantage of special offers and discounts, according to the store’s website. Its hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.