Business
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Books Abound has regular avid readers.
At Books Abound, customers can nd a variety of children book classics.
Books Abound only accepts paperback trade-ins.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Books Abound marks 28 years as Cy-Fair literary icon
Nearly 28 years after retired couple Je and Laura Otto opened a used bookstore to clear out a growing stack of novels in their garage and keep themselves busy, Books Abound has become a quiet refuge for readers. The longtime store, sustained by customer trades and occasional donations, now doubles as a lifeline for local avid readers and incarcerated readers. Staying local Although Laura Otto ocially retired as a computer science professor from Houston Com- munity College in 2008, she continues teaching students remotely while operating Books Abound along with her husband. Je Otto, a former Exxon employee, spends most of his time trading and selling books to local readers. Even as platforms such as Amazon and other digital platforms chip away at business, the Otto’s said they will continue promoting traditional books while supporting paperbacks. “You know, we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but we’re content to just stay here and serve the community,” Je Otto said. Occasionally participating in community events, Books Abound most recently participated in the 2025 Houston Bookstore Crawl. What’s special about it? The used bookstore operates with a majority
of books sourced from trade-ins and about 10% through donations. With books priced at half their cover price, Books Abound allows all paperback book trades and only accepts hardcover books through donations. The friendly atmosphere o ers a cozy library feel with books sorted by genre and author. Although books are sorted accordingly, the Otto’s said they are always happy to guide customers and direct them toward their next hidden gem. With a variety of novels to escape in, Books Abound o ers genres from nonction to ction and collectibles. Popular genres include romance, mystery and sci-. Other books found include school textbooks and kid classics, such as “Captain Underpants” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” What else? Further expanding their readership, Books Abound donates books to prisoners, as bookstores and organizations are legally allowed to provide approved books for incarcerated individuals in Texas, Je Otto said. Formally operated alongside the couple’s dog Daisy, Je Otto said the bookstore will have to continue operating with out the beloved dog due to her arthritis condition. Located in Cypress Centre on Jones Road, the Otto’s said they will remain the hidden gem only known by avid readers.
Books Abound will be celebrating 28 years serving local readers in the Cy-Fair community in January.
Je and Laura Otto have operated Books Abound for nearly 28 years.
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11650 Jones Road, Houston Facebook: Books Abound
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