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Rock Talk, Vol. IX
Best news of the weekend so far, at least for local readers: 14 Brazos Bookstore customers have banded together to buy the store and keep it open. Houstonist is so happy we could cry — except that would be a little odd.
We heard earlier this year about how Karl Killian, who has owned the Brazos since 1974, had taken a job with the Menil Collection that would require him to sell or close the bookstore. Killian said back then that he would only sell to a buyer who would not just keep running the store, but would improve it — and it sounds like the new owners just might do that. The group of investors came togeher in late April, led by investment counselor Edward R. Allen III and publisher Babette Hale (she's Leon Hale's wife, by the way); many of them are involved with Houston's cultural and literary scenes. Veteran bookseller Jane Moser will manage the store; staffers Paul Forsythe, Sally Woods and Kathy Killian (she's Karl's wife) will say on board.
The new owners say they'll continue Brazos' tradition of readings from new and famous authors, and they promise expanded children's and young adult sections. Moser's even looking into online bookselling, according to the Chronicle. For his part, Killian said he's happy with the sale and hopes the new crew will be "open to doing things I never did or didn't think to do or didn't get around to." If you want to meet the new owners, they're planning an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the store, 2421 Bissonnet.
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This is truly great news. I, for one, would really like to see them utilize the space better, adding more shelves in that open area where there is now just space. And the gallery next door? Use it for selling books. Just sell more stuff! They don't have the space to be Austin's Book People, but what I wouldn't give to have a Book People in Houston.
I was in there today and heard the staffer say to someone over the phone, "nooo, we don't carry that one, I can order it for you." Thing is, why would I order it from a bookstore when I can easily order it myself (for cheaper and faster) on Amazon? Carry more stuff, I say.
And how about more events? Book signings are fine, but what about book groups? Writing groups?
And all of that space devoted to architecture books and mags? How much money are they making off of that stuff, really?
Bottom line: make it more of an all-purpose bookstore, less niche-y, and people will make it their only bookstore.
I'm with you on expanding their selection, but I would hate to see the Brazos lose some of what it has — for example, it's the only place in town you can get some of those architecture books and mags off the shelf. Part of the reason I like going to the Brazos is that it's relatively specialized: It doesn't have as wide a selection as some stores, but you get the feeling that what's there isn't crap. You can't say that for B&N all the time.
And isn't that part of its appeal. That it is niche-y. We have plenty of all-purpose bookstores in town. It is nice to have something a little different.
I'm glad to hear that it has been saved. Something that doesn't always happen to cool eclectic things in Houston.
My friends and I were hoping to save Cactus records like this -- unfortunately, we have the passion but not the cash.
It is great to see Brazos Bookstore stay afloat!