August 5th, 2017 is Texas Independent Bookstore Day! BookPeople in Austin, Texas and Brazos Bookstore in Houston, Texas came together to begin this new tradition in 2017 with the hope it will become an annual, widespread celebration.
I have been in and out of Houston so much since I moved to the city, I really have not had enough time to explore the city I live in. I knew Brazos Bookstore was a place I had to see because being a part of the Bookstagram community, Houston can’t stop talking about this lovely store. I had been to Brazos the weekend before spending more than I needed to, which happened to be my first time in the store. When I found out about this celebration, I knew I had to go back two weekends in a row. So… I spent even more money!
In this ever changing world of technology and online shopping, I do my best to support small businesses especially independent bookstores. There are so many people and so few active readers, I want to do my best to support and encourage writers, the publishing industry, and bookstores. As much as I love Barnes & Noble, I love the little bookstores that feel like home when you walk in the door.
To celebrate Texas Independent Bookstore Day, Brazos had a number of events. They kicked off the day with a Texas themed family morning, the debut of their Paper and Pen Pal Club, a Happy Hour, and a vendor market! I had wanted to be there for the Paper and Pen Pal Club since I enjoy writing letters and do so as much as possible. Alas, I laid on the couch reading too long. I made it in time for the Happy Hour, but I don’t drink. So I bought two books instead. It was hoppin’! Lots of people buzzing around the bookstore looking, chatting, and buying. Nothing I love more than listening to the hum of people discussing books, authors, and what makes a good book.
I really enjoy Brazos Bookstore. It is well organized. The decor is sparse with all the walls, shelves, and tables painted white allowing the books to become the centerpiece of the shop. Every month, they highlight a different cause. This month they are honoring female writers in translation. (As a woman and a translator, I am very excited about this.) The large windows at the front of the store are currently painted with a mural of Jane Austen. There are comfy leather chairs sitting by the windows for those too eager to wait until they get home to start reading, or maybe for those who are waiting on the more inclined readers. It is evident everything in Brazos is geared toward the reader, the writer, and the reader-writer because the most dedicated readers are usually aspiring authors. The people behind the counter making the magic happen are wonderful, knowledgeable, and helpful. Shelves are dedicated to staff picks, plural because it’s impossible to pick just one. Throughout the store, there are cards with helpful hints and facts about books and authors making it easier to decide which ones to take home. The store is full of gorgeous notebooks, stationery, which is incredibly dangerous for me, and other items helpful to the reader.
Brazos does not just sell books. They foster a sense of community creating spaces for those of all ages with a love of the written word. They are currently hosting a summer long series entitled “Summer of Austen” celebrating the life and work of Jane Austen. I’m hoping to make it to their final book club if I can read Sense and Sensibility in time. There calendar is full of events from Book Clubs to Story Times to readings and things in between! I love how involved they are in the literary scene and the Houston community.
I will be back… When I can afford it.
Brazos Bookstore
2421 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
