The Philomathian Book Store has been a staple of downtown Austin for several decades, but after months of contemplation, co-managers Judy Gerlach and Sharon Wagner decided it is time to close the store.

“I will miss the people and working with the books,” Wagner said.

In the last couple years, the store has faced many difficulties to remain open. From not having enough volunteers to not being able to find replacements for the manager position, the store has struggled to survive.

“We haven’t been able to make enough money,” Gerlach said. “Getting volunteers has been difficult.”

The store originally began as an organization in 1907 when a group of ladies started a study club to better themselves intellectually. They eventually opened a store and library in a room rented from Donavan Furniture and were open one day a week. Although they started with only 85 books, the group eventually accumulated up to 4,000 books by having rummage and food sales. The next year they began selling religious articles and gifts which came from an area Catholic church that donated items members had been selling for special occasions.

It wasn’t until 1977 that the store moved into it’s own building, which was located across the street from the current location on Main Street.

Since 2010, it’s been at 310 N. Main St in Austin.

“We’ve been a fixture on Main Street for many years,” Gerlach said.

Gerlach has worked at the store for 20 years and has enjoyed interacting with customers and her fellow co-workers.

“It’s been enjoyable working with [co-workers] and getting to know everybody,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed being on Main Street.

Wagner has worked at Philomathian for 24 years and has similar feelings.

“I liked visiting with people and helping them,” she said.

The store will remain open until July 31. It sells a variety of religious items, including: books, cards, gifts, Bibles, jewelry and items tailored to different faiths. Merchandise not sold will be donated.

Although the store’s long history in Austin is coming to an end, Wagner believes the Philomathian will leave a mark on the community.

“I think [the Philomathian] left a great impact on Austin,” Wagner said. “We had many bibles and religious items of all faiths.”

—Jenae Hackensmith contributed to this report.