Book Soup, a beloved bookstore in West Hollywood that Elton John famously joked about, has hit some rough waters—literally. Recently, a local water main break caused significant flooding, forcing the store to close its doors for the time being.
In an announcement made on Saturday, the bookstore said it aims to reopen soon but needs to wait for more information from local authorities. “We hope to reopen within the next few days, but first we need clarity from LADWP and the City of West Hollywood. Currently, the neighborhood remains inaccessible to non-residents,” they shared in an Instagram update.
They expressed gratitude, noting, “Thank you to everyone who asked if I was okay or checked out the store. Your love and support mean a lot. I’m relieved that no one has been hurt so far. I hope this continues!”
This store is a regular stop for celebrities like Emma Roberts, Courtney Love, and Jack Black. John has often shared his affection for the place, humorously remarking that if it ever closed, he might just throw himself off a cliff. “I love record stores…and I love bookstores,” he said. “If Book Soup across the road went the same way, I’d probably throw myself off a cliff.” It’s a dramatic image, right? But it seems to speak to the sentiment many have about this cherished spot.
Emma Roberts was recently spotted picking up a copy of *Power Broker* there. Additionally, a story from LA Magazine recounted a humorous incident where staff had to steer Jack Black into the bathroom to avoid an awkward situation with a check from Courtney Love, just in case it was deemed “dishonored.” Talk about navigating celebrity culture!
The flooding was quite severe, attributed to the break of a century-old water main. While no one was injured, local residents have voiced concerns about the aging infrastructure in the area. Repair crews worked diligently overnight, managing to replace the damaged water main but left unsure whether Sunset Boulevard would reopen in time for the Monday morning rush.
Another nearby hotspot, Dialogue Cafe, also reported significant losses due to the flooding, with early morning footage showing water gushing into the cafe and down Palm Avenue. The timeline for reopening remains unclear for them as well.
