Pasadena just got its first independent bookstore highlighting BIPOC authors—and it’s certainly one for the books!
Literature can transport you to different places, expand your horizons, and challenge your imagination. As a proud bookworm herself, Nikki High was quick to recognize this powerful impact and was inspired to open a space of her very own—with an incredible mission that includes everyone.
“Once I discovered books written by people who looked like me, I was opened to a new world of history, fiction, sci-fi, and more,” shared High on the bookstore’s GoFundMe. “I am now working to create a space where readers of all walks of life can enjoy these books, a space to find your new BFF inside a book, a space to find community, enjoy a cup of coffee, read, relax, find unique and specially curated products from artisans from around the world and in our neighborhood.”
With huge support from the local community, on Saturday, February 18, she was able to open Octavia’s Bookshelf! A fitting name after the iconic Octavia E. Butler, a famous Pasadena science fiction writer—and the first Black woman to gain acclaim in the genre. Pasadena folks and beyond supported her vision from the very beginning, and with their help, High has been able to raise $22,374 on GoFundMe to make the dream a reality.
“There’s so much excitement around here and I could not have pulled this off without your encouragement and support,” High shared on an update. “Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.”
Her beloved book store is officially up and running—ready to welcome bibliophiles with open arms! 📚❤️
Even if you’re not a local, but still want to support the shop, you can order books through BookShop.org! All you have to do is select Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena, as the independent bookstore you’d to support, and your books will be shipped right to your doorstep. What a bookworms dream!
You can also find updates, and support the future of the bookstore by donating to High’s GoFundMe here. Check out Octavia’s Bookshelf site here.
📍Location: 1365 N Hill Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
⏰Hours: Monday through Sunday – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
See more: 68 Fantastic Things To Do Around L.A. This February