A Look at Organic Books, Rogers Seeks to Expand MR Area, Pride This Weekend and More
Organic Books is Homegrown and Family-Owned
The neighborhood they loved was missing a bookstore, so they built one
by Woz Flint
When former journalists Steve and Kelly Brewer found themselves at a professional crossroads, searching for a new adventure, it didn’t take long for them to decide that opening a bookstore was the dream of dreams. Why? “It just seemed like a natural progression for us,” said Kelly. “And because…books!”
Nob Hill was the obvious choice for their endeavor. The family of four—which includes their sons Seth and Max—had zero retail experience, but wanted to do it right. “There was a hole that needed to be filled in the neighborhood,” said Seth, a graduate of neighboring UNM. “And we knew Nob Hill was ready to support the readers and writers of the community.”
The Brewers spent countless hours getting the space business-ready by procuring a diverse selection of books, building shelves, sprucing up the space and organizing their inventory. In 2018, they opened the doors to Organic Books—a tongue-in-cheek name referring to “books made with paper, no batteries required.”
Housed at 111 Carlisle Blvd. SE, in the Nob Hill Business Center and just around the corner from La Montañita Food Co-op, the location was no stranger to used books, having formerly been occupied by Book Stop, one of the city’s beloved bookstores of days gone by.
“Before we were even up and running, people would walk past and excitedly peer through the windows,” said Kelly. “When we officially opened, we were humbled by the warm reception and support given to us.”
Even when, just two years into business, the COVID-19 virus closed down the entire world, the outpour of community support never waned. “We had to pivot to online fast,” said Seth remembering how he and his brother Max sat for hours in the store, taking inventory of every single book on their shelves to open up online sales. “People started ordering like crazy.”
Organic Books then became an affiliate of Bookshop.org, a site that launched in January 2020 with the mission of providing an online-shopping option to directly support independent bookstores. With the Brewer family business being an early adopter of Bookshop.org, Seth appeared in TIME magazine as the face of indie shops everywhere.
From the beginning, the Brewers championed used books, with most of their general-interest inventory priced at $10 or less. “It’s always been important to us to keep books affordable,” said Kelly. “And since we accept trade-ins, our shelves are literally lined with what the neighborhood is currently reading.”
The option to trade in gently-used books is just one of the things that repeat customer Judith Bruesch loves about Organic Books. “I always leave with more books than I came in with,” Bruesch said. A former Nob Hill bookstore owner herself—operating Corner Bookstore in the 1990s—she knows how to spot a successful shop. “The first time I came in, I knew immediately this store was run by readers and writers. They know their stuff. Used books are such a valuable resource and need to be protected. That’s what they do here.”
In addition to used books, supporting local authors is one of the shop’s specialties. With more than 30 published mystery, detective and crime novels under Steve’s belt, the family knows how hard it can be for writers to get their books in stores. “There’s nothing quite like seeing what you’ve written sitting on the shelf of a bookstore,” said Seth.
Keeping it local is a mantra of sorts for Organic Books. Beyond authors, their entire selection of cards, prints and photography are all homegrown. “We believe in local,” said Seth. “Put your money where your mouth is.” Even their merch is courtesy of Nob Hill’s own Guerilla Graphix and nearby Kei & Molly Textiles.
Seth enjoys the daily influx of customers, particularly when kids browse the shelves. “We love readers of all ages, but especially love seeing younger ones discover books. It’s critical to get them reading early. After all, there’s never been a more important time to be a reader.”
You can visit Organic Books at 111 Carlisle Blvd. SE. They are open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rogers to Introduce Legislation Amending Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Boundary Tonight
City Councilor Nichole Rogers is set to introduce R-25-162, a resolution meant to expand the current boundaries of the Central/Highland/Upper Nob Hill Metropolitan Redevelopment Area, at tonight’s city council meeting.
Currently, there are 22 recognized redevelopment areas in Albuquerque (map here) overseen by the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. Inclusion in a redevelopment area is contingent upon it being designated as ‘blighted.’ Various economic and tax incentives are available to businesses within these areas to stimulate revitalization.
Shown outlined in red below, the resolution would expand the current boundary of the Central/Highland/Upper Nob Hill MR area to include 58 additional lots along San Mateo Blvd. from Copper Ave. to Lomas Blvd. The legislation received a recommendation from the Albuquerque Development Commission at their May 15 meeting.
Pride Parade in Nob Hill This Weekend
The annual Albuquerque Pride Parade returns to Nob Hill on Saturday, June 7. It will begin at Girard Blvd. at 10 a.m., make its way up Central Ave. and end at San Mateo Blvd.
For more information, visit the website here.
Peace Choir to Perform at Venue Near UNM
In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, the New Mexico Peace Choir will perform at the Central United Methodist Church (201 University Blvd. NE) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. This is their first stop on the “In All Things Peace” tour that includes shows in Gallup, Crownpoint and Grants.
To purchase tickets ($15-$20) go here.
In Other News
County commissioners approve industrial revenue bond for boutique hotel project in Nob Hill - ABQ Journal (paywall)
Naruto is a comforting meal at a comfortable price - ABQ Journal (paywall)
Find out the history behind the Jones Motor Company building on Central - ABQ Journal (paywall)