Photos by Paul Christian.

Upon arrival at Open—formerly {open}, now formally open—a large pack of people pored over paperbacks as anticipation built last Friday evening for Sé Reed to finally introduce the world to her latest brainchild.

Open’s new home occupies a healthy-sized corner of The Brass Lamp, lending Long Beach’s first “book bar” the feel of an intimate living room.

Reed ecstatically announced that all in attendance were welcome to purchase books directly from her and, soon after an energetic and celebratory set from Alicia Murphy, friends sat close while Reed’s face lit up as she handed an early ‘60s copy of Catcher in the Rye to one of the new Open’s first patrons.

Reed also spoke of Open’s new website, where each book in Open’s inventory, known as the “Brass Lamp Collection,” is available for purchase via Amazon; patrons can also purchase books at any time from Brass Lamp’s servers.

Especially refreshing was Reed’s excitement that Brass Lamp patrons can purchase from the Collection via Amazon without leaving the Brass Lamp’s comfy sofas. If you’ve started a book but aren’t able to buy right then, Open’s unique bookmarks hold the book’s title, author and page so you might continue with another copy.

Open’s opening was full of strange realizations. Where else does a small business owner encourage patrons to buy books online? Where else can one sit on the floor of a downtown bar with drink in hand to paw through queer art books?

With its selection ranging from classic to off-the-wall, and its experimental relationship with the Internet, Open’s open concept is tangible in so many ways, and most of all, it feels sincere in its mission to get people to read significant books.

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Open and The Brass Lamp are located at 245 Promenade North. 

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