Come on in for a good read and close company. Book Nerd, the Alamo City’s newest indie bookstore, combines magical decor with towering shelves offering readers a variety of picks as they peruse the shop. The locally-owned store, which had its grand opening Oct. 11, carries a curated selection for San Antonians.
Founded by Lauren and Sean Richmond, the couple aims to “Create a space that is welcoming to all people, advocating for the power of the written word, and preserving the connections made through books,” as well as spark dialogue in the community.
“We believe that books validate our lived experiences and that reading can lead to empathy and a better world.”
Book Nerd carries many genres a “book nerd” could hope for — science fiction, romance, young adult, fantasy and more. However, they may not have everything, as the bookshelves are limited to one room, so options are inevitably limited. Fantasy and romance enthusiasts will likely have no problem finding something they like, but those in search of nonfiction may need to look elsewhere for new reads.
Despite the small size, walking in feels like a step into a fantastical world. Readers can scan the gorgeous green shelves, including the “Book Nerd Picks” and “Popular Picks,” which have been highlighted for customers. Once buyers select their read of choice, they can lounge on the seats and coffee table near the front. An assortment of spell jars and glasses hang from the window, casting refracted light on the open layout.
If traditional seating is not one’s choice, a little nook built into the young adult shelf is the perfect option to prop one’s feet up,settle in and transport into an unfamiliar setting.
Book Nerd embraces and fosters a love of reading in children. The kids’ corner, with shorter bookshelves and a fanciful mural, is perfect for little ones looking to read as well. The space is complete with versatile cushion building blocks that allow kids to tailor the seating to their whims, making Book Nerd welcoming to all ages.
The Richmonds work to include indie and local authors in their catalog, selling books by San Antonians and hosting book signings for indie writers in their event room in the back. They emphasize the unification of the city through books.
“Lauren and Sean founded Book Nerd as a place for those in search of escape, connection through community, and the transformative empathy only stories can provide.”
Book Nerd can be found at 2211 NW Military Hwy. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 12-4 p.m. on Sundays, staying closed on Mondays. For more information, head to book-nerd.com or the store’s Instagram @booknerd_sa.
