Brian Baynes has lived in Church Hill for the past 10+ years. Now he’s planting business roots with a used bookstore at 2514 P St., set to open mid-June.
With a background in self-publishing via his comic and art review magazine, “Bubbles,” Baynes has always been an avid appreciator of print media. Still, we get the impression that opening a bookstore came as a bit of a delightful surprise to him.
Where did your idea for this business originate?
“The whole idea really came together when I passed by and saw that this little spot was up for rent. I’ve always dreamed about having a used bookstore, but that dream kind of felt out of reach.
When I saw this space — close to my house and in the neighborhood I love and want to be a part of — I thought, ‘okay, maybe it’s time. I either sign the lease and go for it, or in a year from now, I’ll wish I had.’”
What can people expect when they walk into the store?
“From the outside, the building looks small, but I want you to walk in and think, ‘wow, there’s a lot of stuff here, and a lot of interesting things — a lot of items that one might not see every day.’
It’s organized, you know, everything’s put into its place, but you’re going to see books everywhere that I can put books. I built custom shelves — nine feet tall— because the ceilings, I think, are 10 feet. I want to maximize the space.
I might not have the exact book you’re looking for. I might have it. I have thousands of books in here. Who’s to say? But I feel confident that anyone could walk in here, find something interesting, and walk out with something.”
How has your background in magazines and zines influenced your business?
"[Zines are] probably 10% of what I have in the store, but it’s an important 10%. I’m interested in giving back to that community in a way that I would want to see from the other side. Because when you finish making a zine, sometimes the most difficult thing is asking, ‘what’s next?’
Some of the zines I’m carrying now are ones that I genuinely, really believe in. I’m sure lots of people would love them but haven’t had the privilege or luck to come across them yet, and so I can’t wait to be the person to put them into people’s hands.”
What’s in store for your grand opening weekend?
“You only get one chance at the first impression, and I want to make sure that if you come in on the day I open, you’ll see some cool and interesting publications.
I have two glass cases full of rare books right now. Old collector books, weird Japanese photo books — all kinds of stuff. I think my initial opening stock is pretty exciting, and it’s really important to me.”
Note from the editor
My visit landed a couple weeks before the store’s opening, so it’s safe to assume that things will look a bit different by then. Still, I’m glad I stopped by when I did.
From side-stepping unshelved realms of literature to Baynes pulling a 19th-century magic book out of thin air — it was the perfect medium to understanding the eccentric, delightfully disheveled nature of this book lover’s haven.
Our advice: For the most authentic experience, go in with nothing in mind, and let it surprise you.
Plan your visit
Brian’s Books will host its grand opening weekend on Saturday, June 14 + Sunday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Normal business hours will be Friday through Sunday.
