The most recent novelty in Downtown Brownsville is the newly added and only self-established bookstore in town, soon to be open to the public later this year.
Located in East Washington St, Búho is an independent bookstore locally owned by resident Gilbert Hernandez and has caught the attention of many.
“Overwhelming support from these entities, these community leaders, the mayor and city commissioners… I cannot thank them enough for their support and their advice,” Hernandez said.
It started with a simple shower thought, enormous support from the community and residents complaining about Brownsville being the only metropolitan area whose largest city does not have an established bookstore, according to Henandez.
After hearing complaints but no solutions, Búho’s founder decided to take matters into his own hands. From an idea that started in Jan. 2021, the bookstore began its journey as a pop-up shop in March of that same year. It went to local events all over Brownsville, showcasing books and making a name for itself along the way.
Graduate public administration student Estrella Torres volunteered to help organize books in one of Búho’s volunteer parties, in the efforts of getting the storefront ready for the public.
“I love reading. I support anything that has to do with bookstores or small businesses, especially from people from Brownsville. I think it’s really important to help each other as a community, to not only grow but prosper the area,” Torres said.
Having a place in Downtown Brownsville to socialize in, outside of nightlife will benefit the community, and books are a great way to grow intellectually outside an academic setting, Torres said.
Although in no association with the Revitalizing Downtown Brownsville efforts, the entity is behind the new business being added, while preserving the historical aspect of the building.
“The landlord approached me, saying ‘hey I like what you’re doing, I want you in my building’,” Hernandez said.
The bookstore is in no shape for a full service opening, however Búho will continue as a pop-up shop in order to keep raising funds without completely stopping the sale of books, according to Hernandez.
Volunteer and park ranger at Palo Alto Battlefield Joceline Rangel said she was devastated after the local bookstore closed down in Brownsville years ago.
“I feel like we need this. We really need books,” Rangel said.
“I’m glad you’re making it happen, keep going at it,” Rangel said to Búho’s founder.
For daily updates and grand opening dates, visit Búho’s social media outlets.
