Berlin-Mitte's Tucholsky Bookstore to Close Due to Rent Increase

The Tucholsky Bookstore, a beloved establishment in Berlin-Mitte, is set to close its doors after 15 years due to a significant rent hike. Starting in April, the rent is scheduled to rise from EUR17 to EUR32 per square meter, a change that the store's owner, Jörg Braunsdorf, deemed unsustainable.

Located on Auguststraße, the Tucholsky Bookstore has served not only as a retail space but also as a community hub, hosting readings and discussions on various political and cultural topics. Despite its success in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, the rising costs have forced Braunsdorf to make the difficult decision to end the lease.

In a message to customers, Braunsdorf expressed his concerns about the increasingly challenging conditions for independent bookstores and retailers, particularly in his area. As a result, he will not be renewing the lease, and the bookstore will officially close at the end of March.

Following the announcement, a clearance sale will take place from February 21 to March 21, featuring discounts on both new and antiquarian books. Prices for rare and used books will start at just EUR1, while new titles will be available at a 50% discount.

As a farewell gesture, Braunsdorf is planning to compile a memory book reflecting on the past 15 years of the bookstore. He has invited patrons to share their thoughts and experiences related to the Tucholsky Bookstore, encouraging them to send their contributions by March 21.

Reflecting on his journey, Braunsdorf noted that operating a bookstore has always been more than just a business for him. He believes that bookstores should serve as critical spaces for communication, debate, and personal connections, an ethos he successfully embodied during his tenure.

The closure of the Tucholsky Bookstore marks a poignant moment for the community, as it will leave a void in the vibrant cultural landscape of Berlin-Mitte.