Book Soup, a renowned West Hollywood bookstore frequented by celebrities, has announced it is closed indefinitely following a significant flood caused by a water main break. The store shared the news on Saturday, stating that it hopes to reopen within days but requires clearance from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the City of West Hollywood.
The neighborhood remains inaccessible except to residents as of Saturday. The store expressed gratitude for the public's concern and support. "We’re very glad we haven’t suffered any damage thus far, and we hope it stays that way!" the bookstore stated in an Instagram post.
The bookstore has been a popular spot for figures such as Elton John, Emma Roberts, Courtney Love, and Jack Black. Elton John once famously stated he would "throw myself off a cliff" if Book Soup were to close.
The water main break occurred Thursday morning in the area of Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive, causing widespread damage and flooding. Residents have attributed the incident to aging infrastructure, with the burst pipe reportedly being 102 years old. Crews worked through Friday night to repair the main.
Another local business, Dialog Cafe, also sustained significant damage, and its reopening timeline is uncertain. Early reports showed floodwaters entering the cafe following the pipe rupture.