Nearly 28 years after retired couple Jeff 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 officially retired as a computer science professor from Houston Community College in 2008, she continues teaching students remotely while operating Books Abound along with her husband. Jeff Otto, a former Exxon employee, spends most of his time trading and selling books to local readers.
Books Abound carries a variety of genres organized by author. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Books Abound carries a variety of genres organized by author. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
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,” Jeff Otto said.


Occasionally participating in community events, Books Abound most recently participated in the 2025 Houston Bookstore Crawl.
Books Abound only accepts paperback trade ins. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Books Abound only accepts paperback trade-ins. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
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 offers 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.
Books Abound has regular avid readers. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Books Abound has regular avid readers. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
With a variety of novels to escape in, Books Abound offers genres from nonfiction to fiction and collectibles. Popular genres include romance, mystery and sci-fi. Other books found include school textbooks and kid classics, such as "Captain Underpants" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."

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, Jeff Otto said.


Located in Cypress Centre on Jones Road, the Otto’s said they will remain the hidden gem only known by avid readers.