The Story So Far
Books with Pictures Eugene was first conceived in 2019 as a friendly neighborhood comic book store and a center for the local comics community in all its diversity. We found a location in the heart of downtown Eugene—easily accessible year-round, near the library, and steps away from tons of amazing local businesses. It would be a place where long-time comics fans and new readers would feel welcome. The shop would maintain an active calendar of signings, artist talks, reading groups, fan events, and workshops. We say, “would,” because we opened our doors on March 3, 2020. We had to close our doors less than two weeks later due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Our plans were suddenly on hold.
When we tell our story, the inevitable question is, “How did you survive?” The answer is simple: the community we were built to serve responded, making online orders, telling their friends about us, and rallying to keep us alive. Amidst it all, we learned how to be adaptable, and grew where we were.
In 2024, we moved to our new location in the 5th Street Public Market. With more foot traffic and a lot more space, we have grown deeper roots in our community. We've been able to host more events, including regular recurring events like book clubs and meetups, as well as more (and bigger!) signings and workshops. In 2025, we held our first annual Comics Art Festival of Eugene (CAFE), which featured nationally renowned special guests and over 40 local and independent artists.
In 2026, we had the incredible honor of being nominated for--and ultimately winning--the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award. This international award is one of the comic book industry's highest honors recognizing excellence in comics retailing, community engagement, and advocacy for the comics medium.
Meet The Team
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Andréa Gilroy, owner
Andréa (she/her) earned her PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Oregon in 2015. She has since worn many hats, working as a comics educator teaching courses for and acting as 2016-17 Interim Director of the UO Comics & Cartoon Studies Program), serving on the board of ICAF, co-curating cool exhibits, creating the Youtube series Comics Crash Course, and speaking at conferences and conventions. In addition to running Books With Pictures Eugene, Andréa also works with Books With Pictures founder Katie Pryde on The Graphic Novel Library.
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Jack Sager, manager
Maestro of mags, Faust of floppies, Master of manga, store manager Jack (he/him) is a jack-of-all-trades with a love of art. He wants to be Conan the Barbarian when he grows up.
He has been working at Books With Pictures Eugene since 2021 and store manager since 2023.
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Rhae Olson, events manager
As the “cool mom” at after school pickups, Rhae (they/them) can and will listen to your kid talk endlessly about Dog Man and Minecraft. They are alifelong fan of illustrated books of all kinds, especially zines and books about food culture. As an artist, they have illustrated several small-press comics, and work in a wide variety of media, from fiber arts to pyrography to watercolor. Rhae has been working at Books With Pictures Eugene since 2023 and as events manager since 2025.
