Brownsville’s Búho bookstore readies for new Barnes & Noble — and welcomes the boost in readers

In a true story of David versus Goliath, a small independent Brownsville bookstore is bracing itself for the grand opening of behemoth Barnes & Noble on Wednesday.

Brownsville native Gilbert Hernandez, who owns Búho (rhymes with duo) located in downtown Brownsville, says he’s not too worried about the challenge.

“I welcome them into the city, knowing that it will help create more readers,” Hernandez said. “At the end of the day, Búho aims to provide a home to our customers, and people will flock to us for our curated selection of new books, our community events, our antique books and maps, and our upcoming coffee bar.”

Hernandez insisted that the coffee bar, expected to open in a month or so, was always part of the plan.