Bookstore Owner Aids Wildfire Victims Who'd Helped Save Her Business

Thought Question: How can you help support your community in times of need?

Octavia’s Bookshelf, Pasadena, California’s first, only and much-loved Black-owned bookstore, faced closure last June due to financial hardship. But the community rallied to save it. Then wildfires ripped through the region earlier this month. And the bookstore’s owner, Nikki High, returned the favor.   

After the Eaton Fire broke out, High stowed the store’s books away. She then transformed the space into a full-time relief center.

In place of books, shelves were filled with items for basic needs. She stocked toothpaste and other toiletries. She also stocked pet food, diapers, and bottled water from donors. The bookstore became a place for wildfire victims to connect and comfort each other. People were also able to meet with resource providers there.  

High spoke to the The Guardian about one homeowner who had given money to a GoFundme campaign for the bookstore’s February 2023 launch. High said the homeowner told her “I never thought in a million years I’d be coming here to get supplies after losing my home.”  

High's bookstore enjoyed a successful early run after it first opened. Sixteen months later, it fell on financial hardship. But the community rallied. People raised over $117,000 from 1,600 donations. High moved the store to a place where the rent is cheaper and revived the business. During the wildfire crisis, money donated through Venmo has helped the store pay its bills while sales are paused.     

Giving back to the community that has raised me and believed in me during a crisis "just feels right," she told The Guardian.

With the fire now largely contained, the initial crisis has passed. Now, High can get back to selling books. But she hopes her bookstore can remain a resource center for those in need.  

Gif of helping others from GIPHY.