Every time I drive through Rice Village, I get a feeling of satisfaction seeing that they’ve been unable to release the location of the old Half Price Books going on several years now

For 38 years, Half Price Books had an excellent, two story location in Rice Village—right on the corner of Kirby and University. I’d bought many, many books there, as I’m sure many of y’all had as well.

Back in 2020, shortly before the pandemic, the property owner suddenly refused to renew the lease, and Half Price Books was unceremoniously given the boot. I’m sure, like me, many of y’all were sad to see it go.

To this day, over three years later, the space remains empty. A “FOR LEASE” sign—now faded and worn—hangs alone in the window.

I know it’s silly; but given the way HPB was forced out, and given my fondness for that old place, it brings me at least some peace knowing that the property owner clearly made a bad call, and should have allowed HPB to remain, at least for a few more years.

I’m sure, eventually, some interior decor boutique, trendy eatery, or high priced beauty spa, will assume the location. After all, it’s a prime spot in Rice Village. For the time being, though, it remains a monument to a great store, and to a landlord’s short sightedness.