Richmond Bookstore Launches Community Newspaper

Short Stop features stories, art, and poetry from local Richmonders.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:21pm

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of newspapers repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the vibrant, grassroots spirit of a community publication.A community-driven newspaper celebrates the unique voices and experiences of Richmonders.Richmond Today

Brian Baynes, the owner of Brian's Books in Richmond's Church Hill neighborhood, has launched a free, community-driven print newspaper called Short Stop. The eight-page publication features submissions from local residents, including personal stories, recipes, artwork, and more, giving a voice to the community.

Why it matters

The launch of Short Stop provides a platform for Richmonders to share their unique perspectives and talents, fostering a greater sense of community engagement and pride in the local area. As an independent bookstore owner, Baynes is using his business to amplify the diverse stories and creative expressions of his customers and neighbors.

The details

Baynes spent months encouraging his book shop customers to submit anything from favorite recipes to random thoughts, which he then compiled into the first edition of Short Stop. The resulting publication includes pieces about a man who nearly lost his ice cream shop until the community stepped in, postcard memories of racing at Virginia International Raceway, and an ode to the Science Museum's government plane. Baynes, who is also the author of a comics and manga zine called Bubbles, hopes to continue publishing Short Stop on an ongoing basis, with submissions already open for future issues.

  • Brian's Books opened in the Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond in 2025.
  • The first edition of Short Stop was released in April 2026.

The players

Brian Baynes

The owner of Brian's Books, an independent bookstore in Richmond's Church Hill neighborhood, who launched the community newspaper Short Stop.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of people came into my store after I released it and were like 'This is the first time I've ever been published.'”

— Brian Baynes, Owner, Brian's Books

What’s next

Baynes plans to continue publishing Short Stop on an ongoing basis, with submissions already open for future issues of the community newspaper.

The takeaway

By leveraging his independent bookstore as a hub for community engagement, Brian Baynes has created a unique platform that gives voice to the diverse stories, talents, and perspectives of local Richmonders, fostering a greater sense of pride and connection within the Church Hill neighborhood.