Kelly Barth, Chris Luxem, and Mary Wahlmeier Bracciano will take full ownership of the Raven Book Store, Lawrence, Kan., effective January 1, 2025. With more than 40 years of Raven experience among them, "these talented booksellers are poised to usher the Raven into a flourishing future," the company noted, adding that a seller-financed deal with outgoing majority owner Danny Caine "will enable the bookstore to continue its mission of literacy, advocacy, and welcoming as it enters a new era."
Luxem, Barth, and Wahlmeier Bracciano have all been acting in a minority owner capacity since January 2022. In that time they have shaped the practices, culture, and trajectory of the store and their goal is to continue that work as they take over full ownership.
Barth, a Raven Bookseller since 1997, will focus on adult frontlist buying and employee relations. "After nearly 30 years as a bookseller, I'm so humbled and thrilled being entrusted with this beloved store," she said.
Luxem, with nearly 10 years of experience, is an inventory and handselling specialist. He added: "I am extremely grateful for Danny's contributions to the Raven Book Store and I look forward to collaborating with Kelly, Mary, and our dedicated team of booksellers to continue creating a welcoming space for readers."
Caine observed that "being a steward of the Raven for the last seven-plus years has been the biggest honor of my life. I'm really excited to see the amazing things Chris, Kelly, and Mary will do with this wonderful store."
In addition to moving on from the Raven, Caine will step down from his seat on the American Booksellers Association Board, effective immediately. He has relocated to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where he has taken a job as multimedia content creator for the Institute of Local Self-Reliance.