6:00am  |  Editor’s Note: This is an expansion on our print coverage of the Best of Long Beach. Given our limited print space, we wanted to share further our experience at these amazing businesses via the many photos we took. We feel it not only allows the reader to better understand why each place was chosen, but provides the chance to spotlight local businesses visually. We will do one business every day until all 30 winners have been covered. Enjoy.

By Greggory Moore  |  In terms of popularity, Acres of Books might have given {open} a run for Best Bookstore. But even while that lost piece of Long Beach history was still around, there was no place like {open}, superlative bookstore and more.
 
Anyone who steps inside {open} from the Retro Row sidewalk is charmed instantly by the décor and the first-rate, idiosyncratic selection of high-quality used books — not to mention the classic vinyl, the CDs by shining stars from the LBC’s stellar music scene, the redoubtable representation of local authors and visual artists. But what you can’t see at first glance is {open} contribution to community, which comes in myriad flavors, not the least tasty of which is the many fine events they put on — many at no cost. Like art receptions? {open}’s got you covered. Dig musical artists like Billy Corgan, Dave Navarro, Free Moral Agents, Jonathan Richman? That’s just a small sampling of who’s graced the stage. Weird sound-arty stuff, first-rate Xmas bashes, readings by Gerald Locklin, Gustavo Arellano, Derrick Brown, and certain Long Beach novelists (ahem)? {open}’s been there and done that.
 
While 2012 may not be the end of the world, it is the last year of {open}’s current lease. Co-owners Sé Reed and shea M gauer are not certain what their future holds — a question they address at thestoryofopen.com — so you best get while the getting’s good. Because however good it is, we know from history that nothing lasts forever.

Checking out a novel by a local author (ahem) with a cover design by {open} co-owner shea M gauer