Austin Profiles: Bookpeople

Since 1970, BookPeople has been offering a wide variety of literary works to magazine browsers and rare book collectors and all those in between. With a built-in coffee shop, and lots of comfortable seating nooks scattered throughout the store, BookPeople promotes a relaxed atmosphere that will invariably lead to a purchase or two.

Located on the corner of 6th street and Lamar, BookPeople boasts a sprawling 28,000 square foot two-story store with over 150,000 titles from which to choose. If the book browser is unsure of what to buy, the very knowledgeable staff, made up of many well read UT students, is ready and willing to help. Possibly the most helpful tools in the store are the scads of “staff pick” cards located in every section, with a short description of the preferred book, and an explanation why it’s the cream of the crop.

BookPeople offers a variety of other small treasures alongside their massive book collection, with a nice selection of greeting cards, locally made jewelry, soaps, and massage oils. Along the stairway to the upper level, shoppers can pick up novelty items for that certain someone who would look good with a fake mustache, or in need of a pig flashlight keychain.

Current store owner, Steve Bercu, grew up in a family who owned independent toy stores (possibly leading to the aforementioned oddities available). Bercu became owner in 1999, after becoming a financial partner in 1993, and is known for his pragmatic business sense. He cofounded the Austin Independent Business Alliance, and is behind the “Keep Austin Weird” business campaign, making sure that Austin’s Independent businesses are kept viable and profitable. Bercu also spearheaded the campaign to keep Borders Books from opening a store across the street from BookPeople and Waterloo Records, another of Austin’s premiere independent establishments.

Not only has BookPeople been voted as “Best Bookstore” for the last 15 years by Austin Chronicle voters, but it also won national recognition as “Bookstore of the Year” in 2005 by Publisher’s Weekly, after demonstrating their achievements in marketing, customer service, and community involvement.

BookPeople schedules several events in the store weekly, and sometimes a few on the same day. They host book club meetings, trivia contests, literary movie nights (for those books lucky enough to make it to the silver screen), and many more activities. Many renowned authors have stopped by BookPeople for meet and greets and book signings such as Ray Bradbury, John Irving, and Chuck Palahniuk. For those who missed a book signing, they can join BookPeople’s “Signed First Club,” which offers signed first editions of books that could be of great value in the future.

Children aren’t left out, with BookPeople’s “Storytime” event which happens almost every other day. Kids gather around to hear a classic story read aloud, which can by accompanied by story-inspired snacks or impromptu puppet shows. The store also offers Literary Day Camps, where young adults can experience a story through historical reenactments and fantasy retellings.

A few years ago Bercu, with the Austin Independent Business Alliance, launched “Austin Unchained,” a push for those in Central Texas to shop local businesses for one day, instead of national chain stores; later the American Independent Business Alliance followed suit with “America Unchained.” Currently, AIBA is part of a group of organizations chosen for an economic study on the value of independent retailers, solidifying Austin and BookPeople as leaders in keeping independent shops valuable in the face of growing chain store monopolies.

Ki is a realtor in Austin with a site that provides a guide to Austin Texas real estate. In addition to market analysis he provides a search of the Austin MLS. He also keeps a blog which covers the Austin real estate market.