Young’s Bookshop ow-ner Patricia Young will close her doors for the last time on Saturday after a satisfying career in the industry.

Mrs Young first opened the store in 1979 with her sister Linda and friends Martin and Judith Fields.

Mrs Young said that at the time there was no bookshop in Bunbury so the four wanted to provide residents with a much needed service.

“I needed something to keep me occupied – it has been good therapy,” she said.

Mrs Young said that the economic downturn and the rise of the internet had impacted on the bookstore trade.

“There is a big change ahead for the industry and it is a good time for me to get out,” she said.

Mrs Young was running the business on her own after Mr and Mrs Fields moved to England just six months after they bought the business.

Mrs Young said that many women have worked at her store and she feels privileged to have taught them.

“My highlight is teaching the women who have worked with me – giving them a start and watching them have wonderful careers,” she said.

While there were many highlights for Mrs Young, she said it had been challenging.

“Bryce Courtney once said ‘selling books is like selling baked beans’ but I beg to differ– books are very personal,” she said.

Mrs Young now looks forward to a life of retirement and adjusting to her new lifestyle.