Change is coming to Denver’s storied bookstore chain Tattered Cover.

The bookstore is now fully owned by Barnes & Noble after a federal bankruptcy court judge approved the $1.8 million sale Tuesday.

Under new ownership promising to keep the once independent bookstore’s identity intact, Tattered Cover’s four stores will temporarily close for the transition.

Barnes & Noble’s bid to buy the Denver institution was the only offer to keep all of the store’s four locations open and operations ongoing. Tattered Cover’s name will remain the same and is expected to operate independently, despite being owned by the largest U.S. bookstore chain.

The store plans to upgrade its technology – including its store, email and order systems – according to Tattered Cover’s website, which is also undergoing a refresh.

Placing online orders for books is temporarily unavailable, according to Tattered Cover.

All stores are closed Wednesday and Thursday for the changes.

Some stores will stay closed longer or close early on certain days. Here’s a breakdown:

• Colfax: Closed all day on July 31 and Aug. 1. Will close early at 2 p.m. on Aug. 5.
• Aspen Grove Littleton: Closed all day on July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 2.
• Union Station: Closed all day on July 31 and Aug. 1. Will close early at 2 p.m. on Aug. 8.
• Stanley Marketplace Aurora: Closed all day on July 31 and Aug. 1. Will close early at 2 p.m. on Aug. 8.

Why does Barnes & Noble want Denver’s Tattered Cover? Its CEO explains

Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt, an independent bookseller himself for decades, told the Denver Gazette earlier this week that one of the company’s first priorities is getting Tattered Cover’s technology up to date and restocking the store’s shelves with books.

Daunt said the booksellers will be in charge of rebuilding Tattered Cover with essentially a “blank check” from Barnes & Noble.

“Please note that we will continue to operate independently while maintaining the distinctive identity that has made Tattered Cover an iconic part of Colorado’s literary and cultural fabric,” the bookstore said in a Facebook post Wednesday morning.