Two decades after Whistler’s closed, Westport is home to another independent bookstore

It’s been more than two decades since beloved Whistler’s Books shuttered in Westport.

But now that the neighborhood has embraced a record store, Mills Record Co., its owner, Judy Mills, thinks that will translate to books.

So she has softly opened Wise Blood Booksellers in a corner space at 300 Westport Road.

“We were selling some books at Mills. It’s that tangible experience, holding it in your hands,” said Dylan Pyles, manager at both shops.

While Whistler’s two floors were jammed packed with books, Wise Blood presents its new and used books in gallery-like displays. And the back wall will feature a different local artist every couple of months. It also sells T-shirts and vinyl records.

It will have grand opening events this weekend, including an artist reception for Hubbard Savage at 4 p.m. Saturday and discussion of Kansas City’s literary tradition at 6 p.m. Sunday.