Høng Boghandel, was an independent Danish book retailer established in 1883. The bookstore has a long and rich history, given its long-standing family ownership and the emotional attachment that people had to the store.

History and developments 
The independent bookstore, was originally founded by Johannes Sørensen on November 11, 1912. In 1916, it was taken over by Sven Thorbek, who moved the store from Hovedgaden no. 15 to no. 33 in 1922. Sven Thorbek passed away in 1947, and his wife, Kirsten Thorbek, took over and ran the business.

In 1962, their son Mogens Thorbek became the owner of the bookstore. The bookstore celebrated its 60th anniversary on November 1, 1977. However, on December 5, 1983, after being owned by the Thorbek family for 67 years, the bookstore was taken over by a limited company, and Johannes. Helweg became the professional leader.

John Petersen became the professional manager on January 1, 1985, and on November 1, 1986, the bookstore welcomed a new academic manager, Grethe Bukrinsky. However, in 1989, the store went into receivership on October 31.

On March 1, 1990, the business was assumed as a cash bookshop and Mogens Thorbek returned as the manager. He was over 70 years old at the time. On June 21, 1990, Birgitte Nielsen became the technical manager. Lykke Bjørn Rasmussen returned as the professional manager on February 1, 1991.

Liselotte Hansen became the academic manager in 1999. Despite its long and storied history, the independent bookstore unfortunately closed its doors on June 30, 2011, marking the end of an era for the community it served. Its closure is a reminder of the challenges faced by independent bookstores in the modern era, as they compete with larger chains and online retailers.

Historical interest 

The old bookstore that was founded in 1912 by Johannes Sørensen and later taken over by Sven Thorbek in 1916, has historical interest due to its rich and long history. The fact that the store was operated by the same family for 67 years, from 1916 until 1983, is remarkable and speaks to the dedication and commitment of the Thorbek family to their business. The bookstore's importance is also evident in the various transitions it went through, such as its move to a new location in 1922, and the change of ownership in 1983. The fact that the store was able to survive the economic challenges that led to receivership in 1989 is also notable, as it speaks to the resilience and tenacity of the management and staff.

Furthermore, the bookstore's significance is demonstrated in the various individuals who assumed management positions over the years. The fact that Mogens Thorbek, the son of Sven Thorbek, returned to manage the store in 1990 when he was over 70 years old, highlights the emotional and sentimental attachment that people had to the bookstore.

Overall, this independent bookstore's rich history, long-standing family ownership, and the numerous transitions it went through over the years make it an important and historically significant institution. Its closing in 2011 marks the end of an era for the community it served, and a reminder of the changing landscape of independent bookstores in the modern era.

Thorbeks family history

Sven Thorbek & Kirsten Svendsen 
Sven Thorbek (born 9.12.1885-1947) in Odense, son of headmaster Kristian Sørensen Thorbek (born March 15, 1853) and Kristine Nielsen (born July 31, 1853). He was an apprentice at Edv. G. Hansen in Odense and worked as an assistant at Axel Andersen and Axel E. Aamodt, both in Copenhagen, as well as at Chr. G. Kielberg in Svendborg and C. Ferslew & Co. in Copenhagen. He spent a couple of years away from the bookstore, but returned to work as an assistant at J. Gjellerup in 1914-15 and E. Henningsen in Holbæk in 1915-16 before taking over the bookstore in Høng. He married Kirsten Vilhelmine Svendsen (born March 21, 1887) on October 24, 1918. She was born in Køge, daughter of butcher Henrik Gustav Svendsen (born June 14, 1862) and Karen Sofie Nielsen (born October 22, 1864). After her husband's death, she ran the business for 15 years until 1962, when their son Mogens Thorbek took over (source: Dolleris IV etc.).

Mogens Thorbek & Inger Thorbek 
Mogens Thorbek (born June 19, 1919) Son of bookdealer Sven Thorbek (December 9, 1885 – 1947) and Kirsten Vilhelmine Svendsen (born March 21, 1887) in Høng. He apprenticed in Ringsted and Rønne from 1939–41, then worked as an assistant in Tønder, Åbybro, Silkeborg, and Hillerød. He took over the family bookstore in Høng from his mother in 1962. In 1983, the business was turned into a limited company with various professional leaders: Johs. Helweg, John Petersen, Grethe Bukrinsky, and Lykke Bjørn Rasmussen. However, in 1989, the bookstore went into receivership. Mogens Thorbek, now 70 years old, took over once again, and the bookstore operated as a cash bookstore for a few years before getting back on its feet.

References 

Bookstores of Denmark
Bookstores established in the 19th century
Independent bookstores