Texas bookstores and non-profits are winning, opening, moving on, and celebrating. Read on!

AUSTIN

BookWoman celebrated its 49th anniversary with readings and recitations from several authors and poets, including Jessica Goudeau, Amy Gentry, Jaime deBlanc, and Brendon Vayo.

DENTON

The Plot Twist Romance Bookstore will hold its grand opening on January 18. A combination bar and bookstore, The Plot Twist is the dream child of mother-daughter duo Dawn and Darci, who hope to create a “warm, inclusive space where readers of all backgrounds can feel at home, connect with others, and escape the chaos of daily life.”

FARMERS BRANCH

Blacklit bookstore owner and former educator Nia-Tayler Clark announced that she was closing the store due to stalking and harassment. A man living in apartments attached to the store had been stalking her and harassing her customers and employees for months. With the safety of herself, her son, employees, and customers at stake, Clark had no other choice.
 

GALVESTON

Then & Now Bookshop held its grand opening celebration on November 12, 2024. Author Janet Shawgo (A Change in Destiny) attended the event.

HOUSTON

Good on Paper Books & Stationery held its grand opening in the historic 19th Street shopping district on November 1, 2024. A family-owned bookstore, Good on Paper offers a wide selection of book titles and curated stationery. 

MIDLAND

Main Squeeze Midland, a romance bookstore and gift store, opened in December. Located in the Micro Market at 201 West Wall St, visit Main Squeeze Midland to find books in every romance sub-genre along with gift items. Owner Terri Matthews opened the store with her daughters Amanda Wilson and Megan Dixon to “be . . . a place that you can come in and be you.”

MIDLOTHIAN

O’Brien’s Bookshop announced plans to relocate to The Lawson District in downtown Midlothian on Main Street early in 2025. After ‘incubating’ for the past three-plus years at Gingerbread Antiques, they are excited about moving into an independent space.

PLANO

The Bibliobar Bookstore announced they are returning to downtown Plano as a ‘cozy bookstore only.' The grand opening date is yet to be determined. 

OTHER INDUSTRY UPDATES

After a brief hiatus, the Gloria E. Anzaldúa Poetry Prize will debut in its new home with FlowerSong Press in 2025. Originally founded by Newfound Inc. in 2014, the prize proudly honors queer Chicana poet, writer, philosopher, theorist, and cultural icon Gloria E. Anzaldúa. The Gloria Anzaldúa Poetry Prize is awarded annually to a full-length collection that embodies or is in conversation with Anzaldúa’s legacy and the mission of FlowerSong Press. Deadline for submission is March 16, 2025. 

The University of Texas Press celebrated seventy-five years of publishing in January. 

Author James Patterson’s annual Holiday Bookstore Bonus winners include these talented Texas booksellers: 

Megan Sorley, Seven and One Books, Abilene

Chloe Kirkpatrick, BookPeople, Austin

Kylie Tamayo, The Book Nook, Brenham, TX

Teresa Kenney, Village Books, The Woodlands, TX