Cody's Books, a much-beloved bookstore in the Berkeley community, has announced it will be relocating to Downtown Berkeley, leaving its current Fourth Street location.

After being located on Fourth Street for 10 years, the store decided to move into the space formerly occupied by Eddie Bauer about three weeks ago because of an unplanned rent increase, said store manager Melissa Mytinger.

Moving to Downtown Berkeley will allow the bookstore to accommodate a new niche and refine its selection, increasing sections on history, politics and literature, while downsizing sections such as books for young children.

"We're going to be losing some square footage, which means a lot more focused inventory, a really well-curated group of sections," Mytinger said.

After closing its location on Telegraph Avenue in 2006, Mytinger said she is looking forward to returning to an area near UC Berkeley.

"During all of the years that Cody's was on Telegraph, we worked quite frequently with institutions on campus for book-related events," Mytinger said. "Being in closer proximity will allow us to do that again."

In addition, Cody's is expected to help reinvigorate the Downtown arts and entertainment community.

"(It's) a great fit for Downtown Berkeley in every respect, a great complement to the businesses that we already have," Deborah Badhia, executive director of the Downtown Berkeley Association.

Downtown area bookstore owners said they see Cody's presence as healthy competition.

"The more bookstores the better-I know people talk about it being

competition, but we're colleagues," said Dave Nee, owner of The Other Change of Hobbit. "(If there's) stuff they don't have, they refer people to our store (and) we do the same."

Cody's anticipates moving into the space Downtown, which has been vacant for three years, on April 1.

"We love Cody's-it's an independent business and we hate to see them go," said Fourth Street developer Denny Abrams, in a statement.

Mytinger said she hopes to see Fourth Street customers travel to Cody's new location and expects a positive turn after the last three years-the most challenging in its 52-year history.

Councilmember Dona Spring said she is glad to see the store move Downtown.

"It was great landmark and destination on Telegraph and I'm sorry they lost it, but as they say, Telegraph's loss is Downtown Berkeley's gain," said Spring.

Tags: BUSINESS, CODY'S BOOKS