Ante Books: A Blossoming Community Space in McAllen
Words by Max Nevarez
Edited by Nina Alegre
Along Hackberry Avenue, across from Pet World, a charming, locally owned business named Ante Books can be seen. This inclusive bookstore, creative studio, and community space has been open for around two months and is quickly becoming an ideal spot for creatives looking for a getaway. Owned by Selina Herrera (she/her), Ante Books is split into a relaxing bookstore with a diverse selection and lounge and a creative studio space for community artists.
The Bookworm That Upped the Ante
I felt pleasantly welcomed by Ante’s atmosphere and had the privilege of interviewing the friendly owner. Herrera has a long history of being a book lover. As a child, she notably enjoyed books like “A Chair for My Mother” by Vera Williams and “Matilda” by Roald Dahl, along with books from writers like Gary Soto and Tomie dePaola.
Initially, Herrera worked at the Elsa Public Library as a library tech and went on to work at another bookstore before and opening her own space. It was at these two prior jobs that she realized the joy in being able to help someone find a perfect book of their liking, being a full believer that books can inspire creativity and introspection.
When traveling around bigger cities, she visited local bookshops, citing Poets Oak Cliff in Dallas as one of her favorites. Herrera was inspired to bring the comfort and community these brought to the Valley. Herrera’s opportunity appeared after she turned onto a street she didn’t usually notice and saw a sign that the space was available. Ante Books has been open and active ever since. Herrera attributes a lot of gratitude toward her friends and family who helped her make her dream a reality, especially her friend, Carlos Garcia, who helped figure out the business side of things.
More Than Books
Within the shop, a local metalworker keeps her studio, holding workshops and creating a friendly environment on the other half of Ante. Gloria Reyes (she/her) of Tofu Squares is the resident artist in this space. Reyes holds creative workshops where she educates the community on how to do incredible things like metal stamping and chain mailing.
When asked about her thoughts on the space, Reyes responded, “Being able to bring skill sharing as another facet to the bookstore feels right.
I feel genuine and honest in my practice at Ante.” This is a beautiful way of expressing how having a space like this benefits creatives who wish to love their craft and share it purely.
While this is not the first or only bookstore or studio space in the Valley, it is in no way a place to skip over. Its dedicated owner is determined to bring to life an environment for grassroots organizations, local clubs and activist groups at an impressive pace. The space is just over two months old and has already held several events, such as zine readings, workshops, movie screenings and poetry nights, with so much more to come.
Places like this are extremely important for the community. For many people who love to read or explore different creative hobbies in McAllen, finding public hanging spaces isn’t always easy. But Ante promotes body doubling and community building, having a more local and intimate space. It is a place where you can foster a creative undertaking and love for literature, not just for the individuals around the Valley but also for the organizations looking for a safe space to hold their events. The store has already taken strides in the number of events that they’re holding and their curation of books. These events and selections will only improve with the more support Ante is given.
Comfort, Curation and Community
Personally, I think this was such a great place to visit and browse. On my first visit, I found the first volume of my favorite comic book series, “The Wicked + The Divine.” This was significant because while the series is popular, I don’t expect to see much outside Marvel and DC in a local store’s comic book section.
I also found books and zines from local authors and organizations, queer romances, and several interesting finds about cinema. The owner takes great care in their curation, which shows in the shop’s selection. There’s even a small selection of bookholders and notebooks. One of which I used for my notes during the interview. The atmosphere is also cozy, with a reading area cleared for larger group events.
On top of enjoying their neat selection, I spent some time in the studio writing this feature and felt incredibly comfortable talking to the owner and the artist. The studio space is not somewhere that pressures you to create art but instead invites you to get comfortable and focused on your art. By writing in a space outside my home, friendly and not overstimulating, I experienced what the owner was trying to achieve: a sense of community when creating art.
Get Reading and Share Your Skills!
Make sure to check out Ante Books for yourself. You can visit the bookstore at 1713 W. Hackberry Ave. in McAllen. Aside from all of the amazing community events and creative opportunities Ante Books offers, they recently announced their Hush Hush Club, which is dedicated to having a silent reading time.
Feel free to stop by other local bookstores in the Valley, suggested by Herrera, like Búho in Brownsville and J’aime Les Livres, also in McAllen. Lastly, feel free to contact Ante if you’re an artist wanting to share your skills or an organizer wishing to hold a small event.
Support RGV Storytellers.
Rio Grande Valley storytellers need your support. Trucha, a 501c(3) non-profit, provides artistic opportunities to the community, with the help of our donors. Your contribution will help us continue our mission to empower our creative community of storytellers.
