Diane Wilson and Ken Mahnken have run Already Read Used Books, a secondhand bookstore in Alexandria, Va., for eight years. But by the end of this month, the couple - and their nearly 25,000 books and two cats - may need to close shop.
The storefront of Already Read Used Books at 2501 Duke St. in Alexandria, Va. (WTOP/Sophie Ho)
WTOP/Sophie Ho
Sweetie Pie is one of the store's two cats. (WTOP/Sophie Ho)
WTOP/Sophie Ho
Local libraries offer a variety of programs geared at keeping kids engaged during the summer months. (AP Photo)
AP Photo
"The store's sort of like something we've watched grow and it is a child in its own way," said co-owner Diane Wilson. "Sometimes it's a very naughty child, but we're very committed to it." (WTOP/Sophie Ho)
WTOP/Sophie Ho
Store owners Diane Wilson and Ken Mahnken pose with their two store cats. (WTOP/Sophie Ho)
WTOP/Sophie Ho
The store sign for Already Read Used Books. (WTOP/Sophie Ho)
WTOP/Sophie Ho