After seven years in Ballard, Epilogue Books will be permanently closing their doors in mid-August, according to a press release from the owners.

They report that they were unable to reach agreeable terms on a new lease with the landlord and could not find another building in time.

"We've all enjoyed serving the Ballard neighborhood and surrounding area. Thanks to everyone for their support." said Nathan Heath, owner of Epilogue Books. "The store will close July 1 through 4 to prepare for liquidation. Clearance sales will begin on Sunday, July 5 at 11 a.m. All items in the store, both new and used, will be marked down 20 percent to 70 percent. We have more than 70,000 books that we need to sell over the next month and a half."

Everything, including the shelves, must go. The store is located at the corner of Northwest Market Street and 20th Avenue Northwest.

The recession has hit Ballard hard, with several other businesses, some long-time Ballard fixtures, forced to close.

The list includes most recently Olsen's Scandinavian Foods (50 years in Ballard), Ballard Camera (60 years here), Best Regards (16 years here), All the King's Flags, Annabelle's Consignment and Antiques, Bella's Best, Mandrakes, Hollywood Video, Gordo's, Energy Espresso and others.

However, the news isn't all bad. Some businesses like La Isla and Gifted on Ballard Avenue are expanding their current store sites.

Ballard's Cupcake Royale is opening its fourth location this month in Capitol Hill. Bastille Cafe and Bar, a new French restaurant, opened June 29 to large crowds, and hotdog purveyor Dante's Inferno Dogs opened Snacks! Ballard Bodega on Ballard Avenue last month.