For nearly four years now, Mathew Tombers has been a steady presence behind the counter — and out on the porch — at Edgartown Books. With wispy white hair and erudite speech, he has also become a fixture of the Island literary scene.

In her 30-year career, Jean Stone has written upwards of 24 novels, more than a third of which are set on the Vineyard. The reason, she said, goes back to the works of Agatha Christie.

The Edgartown selectmen have reconsidered granting a liquor license to Edgartown Books after learning they did not have the proper approval from other town boards. Last week, the board approved an all-alcohol license for the cafe behind the bookstore, but on Monday the decision was put on hold.

Every bookstore, no matter how old, has a story behind it.

Edgartown Books is no exception.

Last year, after what some thought could be the end of an iconic Island bookstore, Edgartown Books on Main street reopened for business under new ownership. And the denouement is still being written.

So what would you do if the opportunity arose to expand this recently revived and popular Edgartown business?

If you’re Susan Mercier, manager, you open a coffee bar and café directly behind the bookstore, and you title it such, Behind the Bookstore, or btb.

Bookstore browsers and readers of all ages, rejoice: Edgartown Books, one of the Island’s two bookstores, will open today under new ownership.

The Main street store, which was put on the market earlier this year, was purchased last week by Jeffrey and Joyce Sudikoff, Los Angeles residents who own a home in Edgartown. The sale of the building and the business closed last Friday, May 18.

The building was sold for $1.525 million; the sale of the business was not included in the price.

It’s the start of a new chapter for Edgartown Books, the Main street bookstore that will reopen next week under new ownership.

Jeffrey and Joyce Sudikoff, Los Angeles residents who own a home in Edgartown, are the new owners of the Main street building and the business. The sale closed on Friday. Purchase price was not disclosed.

Mr. Sudikoff was the founder and chief executive officer of IDB Communications Group Inc., and a former part owner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team.

By SARA BROWN

When David and Ann LeBreton reflect on their 10 years as owners of Edgartown Books, the front porch of the Main street bookstore looms large.

Bookstore owner David LeBreton confirmed Friday that he and his wife Ann will close the Main street Edgartown store this winter after 10 years in business.

“We want to move away from the bookselling business. It’s been a wonderful experience, and this just seemed like the right time,” Mr. LeBreton told the Gazette by telephone on Friday.

A For Rent sign went up in the window of Edgartown Books on Thursday; the LeBretons, who live in Dedham and Edgartown, own the building and intend to rent the space.