Three longtime booksellers at the Raven Book Store will soon take ownership of the store from outgoing majority owner Danny Caine.
Kelly Barth, Chris Luxem and Mary Wahlmeier Bracciano have “more than 40 years of Raven experience between them,” according to an announcement from the store on Thursday, and “are poised to usher the Raven into a flourishing future.”
“A seller-financed deal with outgoing majority owner Danny Caine will enable this iconic Midwestern bookstore to continue its mission of literacy, advocacy, and welcoming as it enters a new era,” according to the release.
The three have been acting in minority owner capacities since January 2022.
“In that time they have already shaped the practices, culture, and trajectory of the store and they all aim to continue that work as they take over full ownership,” according to the release.
Barth has been a Raven bookseller since 1997. She will focus on adult frontlist buying and employee relations, according to the release.
“After nearly thirty years as a bookseller, I’m so humbled and thrilled being entrusted with this beloved store,” she said in the release.
Luxem is an inventory and handselling specialist with nearly 10 years of experience.
“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,” Luxem said in the release.
Caine will be moving on from the Raven. He said in the release that being a steward of the store for the last seven-plus years has been the biggest honor of his life.
“I’m really excited to see the amazing things Chris, Kelly, and Mary will do with this wonderful store,” he said in the release.
Caine is also stepping down from his seat on the American Booksellers Association Board, effective immediately. Caine has relocated to his hometown of Cleveland, where he has taken a job as multimedia content creator for the Institute of Local Self-Reliance, according to the release.
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