Books Inc., the San Francisco-based locally owned and operated chain of independent bookstores, announced Wednesday that it will open a new location in Berkeley by mid-October, bringing to 12 the number of stores in the regional chain.

The new location, in an shopping enclave known as the Fourth Street Shops, will carry an eclectic mix of new books that reflect the area’s population and help compensate for the loss of Cody’s Books, which closed earlier this year. “We’ll carry a lot of fiction,” said Books Inc. co-owner and CEO Michael Tucker, “and because there are so many restaurants in the area we’ll have a great stock of cookbooks to please the foodies. The children’s and YA sections will be robust, too.”

Denny Abrams, the landlord who owns much of the real estate on Fourth Street and favors independent retailers, had been anxious to have a bookstore come to the vibrant enclave. “He really wanted us here,” Tucker remarked. “He knows that Books Inc. will have an impact on community and school outreach, and that was very important to him. We’re very pleased with the lease agreement.” The 4,000 square foot space will be the only general interest indie bookstore in Berkeley, joining specialty shops such as Mrs. Dalloway’s and Moe’s, which primarily sells used books.

Tucker said that the Berkeley store would create 12 new staff positions. “We are committed to have this location bring Fourth Street’s book buying community experienced, knowledgeable booksellers and diverse, interesting events,” he said.