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.'"

"My friend built a bench, exactly seven feet long, to fit in front of the store." | Photo by RICtoday

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. Ihave 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."

After pointing out a book cover I thought would make a neat tattoo, Baynes responded by unearthing a box full of vintage tattoo magazines. | Photo by RICtoday

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."

Baynes has two glass cases full of rare, collectible books. | Photo by RICtoday

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.

Sticky tags as labels and miscellaneous boxes are all a part of the process as Baynes finds a place for each book. | Photo by RICtoday

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.