The longtime Capitol Hill Books owner was known for his generosity — and list of words that customers couldn’t speak in the store.

“The books are pretty good at absorbing loud guitar sounds,” says Kyle Burk.

All customers have to do is send the store an email with their request, an idea of the kinds of books and authors they like, and staff will make their picks and send a PayPal invoice.

“To say we’re dedicated to keeping this place open is a huge understatement.”

“Excuse me, do you work here?”

Matt Wixon was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

Don’t worry—it will remain the beautiful winding maze of used books you’ve grown to know and love.

Much to the surprise of print-is-dead doomsayers, a handful of new and used bookstores have even opened up in the past year or two.