St. Louis Comic Book Store Reopens at New Location

A New Chapter for Betty’s Books

Betty’s Books, a beloved comic book store in St. Louis County, has officially reopened at a new location in Webster Groves. While the store remains in the same neighborhood, it has moved to a larger space on Big Bend Boulevard. This expansion includes a full-service café and a dedicated event space, marking a significant step in the shop's mission to become a top destination for fans of comics and graphic novels.

Expanding the Space

Owner Betty Bayer explained that the decision to move was driven by the need for more room—not just for books, but for the growing community that has formed around the store. The new building may not have been impressive at first, but recent upgrades have transformed it into a welcoming environment for everyone.

Since the reopening, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciate the natural light from outside, easier parking, and the new murals that now decorate the shop. The café, led by manager Alyssa Bennett, has changed the daily operations of the store while enhancing its atmosphere. “It really fits with our ethos as a place to hang out and treat yourself,” Bayer said. “Find a gorgeous book and enjoy an iced strawberry matcha. Maybe a cookie too.”

A Space for Community and Creativity

The new location also features an event room called the “Cat Cave,” which has become a hub for in-person gatherings. As Bayer noted, there is a growing demand for such spaces, and the store now offers a variety of programs, including working sessions, artist and book talks, gaming nights, and even birthday parties. Event requests have doubled since September, with interest from local artists, WashU book clubs, and families hosting baby showers.

Looking ahead, Bayer plans to introduce more programs, such as a knitting group, a rookie drawing club, and adult coloring nights. These initiatives aim to further engage the community and provide diverse opportunities for creativity.

Family and Local Partnerships

Family remains a central part of Betty’s Books’ mission. Approximately half of their sales come from children’s books, and several design choices, like kid-friendly seating and child-sized tables with crayons and coloring sheets, were influenced by Bayer’s daughter. The store also places a strong emphasis on local partnerships. The café sources products from vendors like Blueprint Coffee, The Living Room, and STyLe House, and the shop composts disposable cups and lids through New Earth Farm.

Bayer hopes visitors feel “welcome and inspired to create” the moment they walk in. She finds the most rewarding aspect of running a comics-centered bookstore to be the opportunity to work with illustrators and comics creators who call St. Louis home. “We are a comics town,” she said. “Getting to be part of that community is the absolute best.”

Upcoming Events and More

Despite weather-related delays on Small Business Saturday, the shop has rescheduled its Holiday Gift Market, featuring local makers, for Saturday, December 13. This event will coincide with the first annual Crossroads Holiday Crawl, which showcases businesses throughout the neighborhood.