On June 20, 2026, a beloved north Austin bookstore will cease operations as a brick-and-mortar shop. Their online presence will continue during the transitionary period. Black Pearl Books, one of Austin's few Black-owned independent bookstores, is closing this chapter of their physical operations. Husband-and-wife owners Eric and Katrina Brooks stated that this move comes as they "rethink life as empty nesters." I got an opportunity to chat with the couple. Eric said their daughter, Alicia, will be going off to college. He said they still continue to do pop ups with community partners like ACC Highland campus and the Austin Public Library. The owners will work toward their future plans and continue to host authors through the fall. The closing celebration on Saturday will include live illustrations, henna, matcha, and a live reading and book signing. Importantly, the City of Austin has designated June 20, 2026, as Black Pearl Books Day. This bookstore has been a beacon of light in the Austin community and will be sorely missed! For me, it is a bigger issue...we see more and more smaller businesses closing especially over the last few years. Big box national book sellers seemingly are expanding. While Black Pearl Books owners are closing their brick-and-mortar shop, I am excited for the new opportunities that await them. We say so long for now...not goodbye! read more

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Now that they're about to close, I decide to write my review. Well, it's another one that has been sitting for SO LONG as a pending draft, I may as well get to it. Though they are closing the brick & mortar, the owners say they aren't going anywhere and this makes me happy. I am hoping this means we will continue to see them involved in all things books, social justice, and more. This is a place I started going to when I first started coming to Austin on twice-yearly visits (prior to relocation here). For several years in fact. It is one the best places to obtain banned books. The collection is impressive and IMPORTANT. Though it is a small shop, they have EVERYTHING. If they don't they get it for you. They go above and beyond! I write this as if they are still in existence and that's because as I write this, they are. While there is still time, get out and support this local, Black-owned, glorious bookstore! When they're gone and doing other things, continue to support them. We need MORE people and MORE places like this. Period. They walk the walk and talk the talk! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ read more

Such a shame, such a great loss. Black Pearl Books will be closing their storefront as of June 20th. I'm heartsick thinking about how many spaces like this we've already lost, the last remaining outposts for curiosity, conversation, and community IRL. Independent bookstores like this make the city feel human. They promise to exist in some form in the future, but I know it's less than ideal for everyone involved. Make sure you go out there and support while you can! read more

Fabulous selection of banned books. Used books to choose from. You can order online and pick up. Great vibe and fantastic customer service! Buy local. read more

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This bookstore is a true Austin gem. They have a plethora of books and other cool items such as puzzles, bookmarks, jewelry, totes, funny stickers, and other fun but personable gifts and things. The venue has a small event space you can reserve. It honestly felt like home because it was so vibey! A huge thank you to the owners for crafting such a stunning space for us and being so warm and welcoming. Your vision and team are truly inspiring! We can't wait to come back because it is GREAT bang for your buck and value. read more

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Visiting Black Pearl Books was such an incredible experience. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed by Katrina and Eric, the amazing owners, and Micah, who was so helpful and kind. Their warmth and passion for books and community truly shine through every part of the store. The book selection is outstanding. Each title feels thoughtfully chosen to highlight diverse voices and powerful stories that deserve to be read and shared. It is the kind of bookstore where you discover books you did not even know you needed. Beyond the books, they also carry beautiful art, fun coffee table books, unique cards, totes, bookmarks, and so many more giftable items. You can easily spend hours browsing and still want to come back for more. Black Pearl Books is more than a bookstore. It is a space filled with culture, connection, and inspiration. Supporting them means supporting a Black-owned business that is making a real difference in how stories are told and shared. This is a five-star gem in Austin and absolutely worth the visit. Great selection and great pricing! The Craig's will definitely be back! read more

Black Pearl Books - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

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BLACK PEARL BOOKS, ROCK! Although I have ordered books online this was my first time physically visiting the bookstore and let me tell you it did not disappoint + the owners are magnificent! They really know the meaning of community and how to curate events that make everyone in attendance feel special, included and most importantly SEEN. Event tickets were super affordable and only $5 per attendee, and included two yellow tickets for snacks to enjoy during the event, such as thoughtful touch. During intermission we played trivia for prizes and the icing on the cake was that I won! I also performed on stage for the first time sharing my poetry and were it not for the caring and supportive strangers here I don't know if I would have. Such a fun and safe way to spend a Saturday night surrounded by books, great storytelling and awesome people! If you haven't been here yet, what are you waiting for?! Come check out some amazing books and events at your local, independent bookstore! read more

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I am so impressed with the way this bookstore is run. Their website is up-to-date with not only WHAT books are on hand, but HOW MANY are in their store at any given time. I was looking for a graphic novel that had been released last month and their site said there was one copy at Black Pearl. I went, I found it, I was happy! The bookshop workers are super friendly, and when I walked in they asked if I was picking up an order or browsing. They have a whole shelf full of preorders and online orders behind the counter, which is how it should be. Their selection is *chefs kiss* but if there is something that they have overlooked, they'll get it for you, no problem. There's a reading room in the back that has a "book bar" full of advanced reader copies. If something catches your eye, you can preorder it from the front counter. There are also used books for discounted prices that go to charity. Sure, the building is a little small, and they might only have 1-2 copies of some books on hand, but their service makes up for it. PLUS if you buy a bunch of books, they give you "points" and when you've got $10+ worth of points, you can start redeeming them for credit on your purchases. No other bookstore I know does that. Parking is easy (there is a small lot in the back of the store). It's only super busy on Indie Bookstore Day where you might have trouble finding a space. I admit I haven't gone into Black Pearl that often, but that is going to change. I think I have a new favorite bookstore. read more

Black Pearl is a small, yet mighty Black-owned bookstore. The selections are well organized and sorted by genre. There are some compelling reads. I loved that there was a lending library inside of the bookstore (I took a book today, and will be sure to leave one next time!) read more

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This is an amazing, AMAZING, independent bookstore in Austin! It is black owned and woman owned so a great way to use your dollar in an intentional way. The staff was extremely kind and knowledgeable about the selection and made great recommendations. There was a large selection of both popular/mainstream books and not as widely known authors. There seemed to be a nice events room in the back which according to their website, hosts Open Mic nights and other community events. They do close at 6pm every day so if you can't make it there after work, go on a Saturday where they're open 11am-6pm. I will be coming to Black Pearl first for all my book needs! read more

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This is a gem. Local family owned business with a great vibe. Owners are usually there and are welcoming and helpful. Great place to find a gift. Also you can easily order books from here vs. mass online retailers. Check it out! read more

This locally owned business gets it right! The store FEELS exactly like you want a bookstore to feel- inviting, creating curiosity, and inclusive. While others may ban opportunities to think for yourself, this business supports ALL books. They get my business, and I hope they'll get yours, too. read more

The prices are excellent, the staff is extremely helpful, and I always always find something I didn't even know I was looking for!

Great store with nice layout, friendly staff and good selection of books. One of the staff members gave me a personal tour! Also love the donation library to promote diversity in literature. read more

Amazing selection of LGBT books as well as books by/about POC & even mainstream books and cute gifts. And the staff is super nice and helpful. Great meeting room in the back available for non-profit groups! read more

I visited Black Pearl Bookstore (blackpearlbookstore.com ) today. My love for reading led me there. I needed to walk into a personable space where the book covers spoke to me without words. I found everything I was looking for and more. It wasn't just for me today, it was for a young boy and a little girl who have captured my heart and soul. It was for my ancestors and their ancestors because I AM FREE. I am free to be in this place and in the spaces that were built for all of us by them. read more

While not new to the book scene, Black Pearl recently opened their newest location on Burnet and it's fabulous. Great space with natural light and enough inventory to keep you busy, flipping cover after cover, but not so packed you feel overwhelmed. The owners and team are so welcoming and helpful while also giving you space to meander and browse. The shop provides the full array of genres that you would expect from any shop while also highlighting authors and titles that meet their mission to serve a "Multi-Cultural, Multi-Generational, Multi-Socio-Economic Community." One of my favorite things was a Community bookshelf where you can take a book, leave a book; truly making literature accessible to all. We also couldn't help but buy some cute stickers, check out the journals and puzzles and all the other fun gift shop merch. We will be back when we work through the stack of books we walked away with today. Tip: more parking in the back! Tip: check the hours before you go! read more

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TL: DR -- Shop local. Check it out! I went here for the first time today and was very impressed. The store has an excellent selection of books. What makes them unique is they have a large quantity of books from diverse authors. Many of the books also feature Black protagonists. Other things I liked? They had knowledgeable staff who helped when I asked for recommendations. They also have gifts-candles, stickers, pencils, journals etc. I was able to purchase many holiday gifts here. On top of that a portion of my purchases will go towards Ridgetop Elementary school. Black Pearl was doing a fundraiser to support the local elementary school. read more

Black Pearl Books - Sustainable and unique shopping bag - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This is such a wonderful bookstore! The (relatively) new location is just beautiful. This is a cozy bookstore, complete with community space for learning and connecting. Everyone who helps run this bookstore is absolutely delightful. They are so warm and welcoming and so knowledgeable. In addition to a beautiful selection of books, they have great gifts as well. I'm so happy this bookstore is within walking distance. I've pre-ordered books from them and I've browsed. This is my go-to bookstore. I can't wait to return! read more

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I discovered Black Pearl Books since they are participating in a fund raiser for my granddaughter's school. They were opened late yesterday to kick off the book fair. The book fair event is through 12/15/22, so tell them you are there to support Highland Elementary, and of course to support an independent store. The staff are very welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. A local children's book author was there last night and helped me with my selection. This shop is in an old converted house that is bright and light, with modern furnishings. Displays were organized and aesthetically pleasing. I picked up a lot of childrens books for Christmas gifts, a puzzle and even some Easter basket items (don't laugh at me, most of the kids eggs are filled with trinkets). They promote diversity, inclusion and representation through literature, so I found a number of books for kids you won't easily find in other bookstores. I usually go to multiple bookstores and spend an hour or more reading through books before I buy, and I am really stoked about the ones I bought. read more

Its a small bookstore, but you'll be sure to find something among the shelves. The customer service is great and I loved the unique variety this shop has compared to other bookstores. They have a community book shelf and new books to choose from. They also have a great rewards program for frequent buyers. I only wish they had more from local authors. read more

This new location is more spacious with a reading room and space for readings and possible other activities. I love going in and talking about books. I love having a bookstore in the neighborhood! They are growing the business and it's exciting to see. 5 stars for the vibes and the books. read more

Love this place! Definitely my favorite bookstore in the Austin area. The owners and staff are so nice and as a black-owned business they have many titles that I have not seen elsewhere. It's a must-visit if you are in this area! read more

Black Pearl Books - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

Excellent customer service - they order and ship. I did a lot of gift ordering with them and everything was handled perfectly. The store itself is warm and inviting just like the amazing proprietors and staff. read more

When my daughter's school encouraged us to order our required books through Black Pearl instead of Amazon, I was a little reluctant. Was the process going to be easy? Was it going to take a long time? Would this place have parking? But, of course, I'm so glad I did. The process of ordering as super easy and they sent me a text once my books were in. There was an option to have them shipped as well. I went in to pick up the books I ordered and I will definitely be back. The shop is in this cool old house that's been updated to have a really clean feel. It's not musty or cluttered like some book stores. And the books feel curated as if they found the best of the best. Plus they can order other books as well. There was a really cute gift section and a reading spot that had comfortable seating as well as a Keurig for coffee. The owners were so nice and knowledgeable. read more

What a lovely treat! I had heard of this bookstore but hadn't visited until today and it's such a nice surprise. It's very clean and curated, in a refreshing way. There's a little something for everyone - including a range of books for different ages and on different topics, a small gift section and a free neighborhood sharing library. I'll be back soon! read more

I love Black Pearl Books and come in at least once a month! Great selection of books, records and gifts; friendly owners; and a cool vibe - it's one of my favorite spots in Austin! read more

What a true gem of a bookstore. A varied selection of books of all types, gifts, calendars, etc. The woman running the front desk (perhaps the owner?) was so sweet and engaging with every customer that came in. It felt very warm and welcoming the moment you stepped into the store. Bonus for a reading room in the back of the store, too. read more

Great store right in Allandale. Great selection of fiction non fiction and kids books and they have a community exchange for free. Locally owned ! Nice folks too. read more

From the first time till now this place has been like home. The staff is so welcoming and helpful. The atmosphere is amazing. If you love to read this is the books store for you. This establishment is Black owned and has a vast assortment of Black Authors. Educational books, banned books, and a place to sit and read while drinking coffee. Please visit, support and boost this wonderful community book store to call home. read more

Friendly service and ambience from the owner, and excellent variety for a community bookstore.

Terrific neighborhood bookstore. Warm and friendly with a well-curated selection. I especially appreciated discussing my selections with the knowledgeable and helpful staff. read more