A beloved Black-owned bookstore in Central Texas announced it will be shutting its doors next month, but the shop teased it won’t be going away entirely. Black Pearl Books in North Austin said in a social media post that it will be closing its storefront at the end of June.
The last day to shop at the store located at 7112 Burnet Road will be Saturday, June 20. However, Black Pearl Books explained this closure is part of “an exciting new chapter” on the horizon for the store.
“An exciting new chapter is on the horizon for Black Pearl Books!!” the shop said on Instagram. “But… in order for another door to open, one door has to first close. Soo… we will be closing our storefront at the end of June as we work towards future plans.”
Black Pearl Books emphasized that it will remain in business and will continue to host author events scheduled through the fall. Despite the store’s closure, fans can still shop for books online during its transition.
The owners of Black Pearl Books said they are currently entering a new stage in life as empty nesters and “are reassessing the balance required to maintain the quality of life we desire in this next stage.”
“We know you have lots of questions. We do too! LOL!! While we don’t know what the next version of Black Pearl Books will look like, we are walking in obedience and know it’ll be exactly what it’s supposed to be,” the owners said. “As we prepare to close our iconic red door, we are filled with gratitude for every customer, conversation, and memory made in this house. It’s been a place of connection, community, and shared moments. Ohh..if these walls could talk.”
The bookstore was founded by husband-and-wife duo Eric and Katrina Brooks in 2019 after moving to Austin from California, KUT reports. The pair began their business as an online store that did pop-up events, and as the business grew during the pandemic, especially amid a movement for racial justice, the Brooks moved into their own storefront on Burnet Road in 2022.
Black Pearl Books is one of only 10 Black-owned bookstores in Texas, according to a February Book Riot report.
“So, while we are turning the page to begin a new chapter, we’re excited for what’s next and deeply thankful you’ve been a part of our journey thus far.
New opportunities are still taking shape, and we trust God to lead us where He wants us to go,” the owners concluded. “As we follow His plan, we’re excited for what’s ahead. We hope you will stay connected and continue this journey with us, because there’s more to come!”
MySA reached out to Black Pearl Books for more information on its future in Austin.
Find it: 7112 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78757
This article originally published at One of Texas’ only Black-owned bookstores stuns with closure announcement.