A neighborhood bookstore in Spring Branch is celebrating 30 years in business, proving there’s still something special about browsing the shelves and finding your next favorite book.
Blue Willow Bookshop, tucked along Memorial Drive, recently marked three decades of serving Houston readers, building a loyal customer base and bringing the community together through a love of reading.
Owner Valerie Koehler says the bookstore has become part of the lives of generations of families.
“Kids have grown up in this store, families have grown up in this store,” Koehler said.
The independent bookstore may be small, but its impact on the community is anything but. Blue Willow hosts more than 350 events each year, including book clubs, author appearances, book crawls and literary festivals.
The shop is divided between adult and children’s books, offering something for readers of all ages.
And despite the popularity of e-books and digital devices, Koehler says there’s still a strong appetite for physical books, especially among younger readers.
“I’d think you’d be surprised how many people are not on their tablet, especially the kids,” Koehler said. “They want to hold a physical book.”
While Blue Willow maintains a website and social media presence, Koehler says the in-person experience is what sets the bookstore apart.
Customers can browse the shelves, talk with staff and get personalized recommendations to help them discover their next read.
Koehler says creating that welcoming environment and being consistent are key to running a successful small business.
“I think the biggest thing for anyone wanting to open a small business with a focus like books or gifts, you have to be present, you have to be open when you say you’re going to be open, and you have to understand it’s retail and that’s what people coming into your shop are going to expect,” she said.
For anyone who doesn’t consider themselves a reader, Koehler encourages them to stop by anyway. The team is confident there’s a book out there for everyone.
After 30 years, Blue Willow Bookshop continues to offer more than just books. It’s a gathering place where readers, families and neighbors can connect.
To learn more about the bookstore, upcoming events and book selections, visit Blue Willow Bookshop’s website.
