Black Woman-Owned Bookstore Relaunches Urgent Fundraiser to Stay Open

A fundraiser to save a local bookstore has raised almost $70,000 in a matter of days.

Nikki High, founder and owner of Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena, has reopened a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her struggling bookstore, Octavia’s Bookshelf. 

In a heartfelt social media post, she revealed her heavy heart, tired soul, and months of sleepless nights, and said she needed transparency with her community.

“We need a lifeline,” High said, explaining the urgent need for donations. She described the book-selling industry as tricky on its own, adding that being an under-resourced Black woman makes it even more challenging.

The bookstore, named after renowned Black author Octavia Butler, opened its doors on February 18, 2023, at 1361 North Hill Ave. 

High, who worked in communications at Trader Joe’s, left her corporate job to pursue her dream of owning a bookstore.

Initially successful, the store expanded to a larger location to accommodate more programming. However, business nearly stalled after the new year and has continued to be much slower than anticipated, depleting the store’s financial reserves, she said.

The GoFundMe campaign has raised $69,325 of its $75,000 goal at the time of reporting, with over 1,100 donations.

This is not the first time High has turned to crowdfunding; she initially self-funded the venture but started a GoFundMe page before the bookstore’s opening to offset some costs, which raised $22,119.

Octavia’s Bookshelf has hosted various events, including author events, group discussions, teach-ins, children’s readings, and workshops. The store aims to create a platform for marginalized voices, focusing on works by Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other authors of color.

High said she has explored various options to keep the store operational, including launching a Patreon, applying for grants, and negotiating a move back to a smaller location. These efforts have not yet yielded sufficient results.

“Even with what I’ve shared, I still know that this is a viable business and this space is crucial to our community,” High said. 

She described the store’s urgent need for an influx of cash to stay afloat, describing the financial challenges as tremendous mountains to climb.

Despite the difficulties, High remains committed.

High concluded by asking readers to consider donating to the GoFundMe or sharing it “far and wide,” expressing gratitude for their consideration in supporting this vital community space. Since its opening, Octavia’s Bookshelf has gained recognition, with High featured in an award-winning episode of “Pasadena Monthly with Justin Chapman” in July 2023.

To donate, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/octavias-bookshelf-open-its-doors