Richmond’s newest bookstore is a message of love for the community — literally. ILYSM (I Love You So Much) Books — a Filipina and LGBTQ+ owned business — opened its doors at 119 W. Brookland Park Blvd., conveniently across from the neighborhood’s go-to ice cream spot, Ruby Scoops. Sounds like a perfect date to us.
The cherry on top? ILYSM opened over Valentine’s Day weekend; noticing the “love” theme here?
The atmosphere of ILYSM
Wondering what to expect when you visit Richmond’s latest public love letter? Here are a few things that are bound to catch your eye:
- Spot the shop’s name scrawled over the entrance in a font that resembles a hand-written note.
- A windowed facade showcases “new and used books” in red and white lettering.
- Inside, white and exposed brick walls pattern with wooden shelving.
- Potted plants add touches of nature throughout the one-room shop.
- You can shop from rotating merchandise like ILYSM tshirts and totes displayed near the window.
- You can pick from a selection of staff-curated books on the central display table.
- Red accents can be found everywhere (in the spirit of love, of course).
The history
Run by 27-year-old Mariela Gavino, the opening of Brookland Park’s newest business is a labor of love in itself. You may have already crossed paths with her at a local holiday or vintage market — ILYSM first launched as a pop-up vendor in 2023.
Gavino hauled dozens of books to various Richmond parks and storefronts, sending locals home with their next reads. Now, she cozies up in her very own brick-and-mortar — a celebration of her hard work and community contributions (which won’t stop here).
What to expect next
Aside from establishing ILYSM as a successful small business, Gavino aspires for the spot to feel like a haven for locals and eventually, become a venue for community events, like poetry readings. In other words, ILYSM plans to do exactly what the store’s name implies — share the love. (CBS 6)
