diff --git a/asl_cards/db.py b/asl_cards/db.py
index 8f953fb..8d3b88f 100644
--- a/asl_cards/db.py
+++ b/asl_cards/db.py
@@ -86,6 +86,14 @@ def open_database( fname , create ) :
         # yup - make it so
         DbBase.metadata.create_all( db_engine )
 
+def close_database() :
+    """Close the database"""
+    global db_engine , db_session
+    db_session.close()
+    db_session = None
+    db_engine.dispose()
+    db_engine = None
+
 # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 def add_cards( cards ) :
diff --git a/startup_widget.py b/startup_widget.py
index 42ed1d1..0b584e5 100644
--- a/startup_widget.py
+++ b/startup_widget.py
@@ -63,6 +63,8 @@ class AnalyzeThread( QThread ) :
         else :
             # notify slots that we've finished
             self.completed_signal.emit( "" )
+        finally :
+            db.close_database()
 
     def on_error( self , msg ) :
         """Show the user an error message."""