Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Octavia's Bookshelf

As much as I’m heartbroken to close Books Inside Boxes ahead of my move to London, I’m also incredibly grateful that I had the chance to create one final box for my home state of California. It felt especially meaningful to end this chapter by highlighting a place that captures so much of what I love about the book community—and to share one of my favorite local bookstores: Octavia’s Bookshelf.

Owner Nikki High opened Octavia’s Bookshelf in February 2023 in Pasadena. The store is named in honor of the legendary Octavia Butler, who was born there. Butler, often called the “Grand Dame of Science Fiction” and the “Godmother of Afrofuturism,” left behind a remarkable body of work and made history as the first science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship. Her legacy is thoughtfully woven into the fabric of the store. In the photo above, High stands in front of a display of Butler’s works—a fitting tribute that feels both reverent and alive.

From the moment you step inside, Octavia’s Bookshelf feels welcoming. I was fortunate to visit during the store’s grand opening week while I was still living in Colorado, and the energy was unforgettable. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air, shared between staff and customers alike—a feeling that something special was taking root.

At its core, the store is dedicated to highlighting BIPOC authors and vendors, and High has curated a collection that reflects both care and intention. The best bookstores, in my opinion, are the ones that invite discovery—the ones where you stumble upon voices you didn’t know you needed. Octavia’s Bookshelf does exactly that. I found myself drawn to titles I had never encountered before, which felt especially striking not just as a reader, but as a fellow bookseller. In larger stores, that sense of discovery can sometimes feel diluted. Here, it’s at the heart of the experience. It speaks to High’s deep knowledge, thoughtful curation, and genuine commitment to championing authors.

The store sits adjacent to the Altadena community, which was devastated by fires in January 2025. In moments like these, spaces like bookstores become even more vital. They offer not just books, but connection. Even as time has passed since the fires, Octavia’s Bookshelf continues to serve as a gathering place—for locals and for visitors alike. Through author events, writing groups, and even “Stitch & Bitch” sessions, it remains a space where people can come together, share stories, and find a sense of belonging.

Independent bookstores have never had an easy path. They are often built on passion, resilience, and a deep love of books and community. Before the store even opened its doors, a GoFundMe was created to help bring Octavia’s Bookshelf to life—and it has remained open as a way for the community to continue supporting the store and its mission. If you’re able, contributing is a meaningful way to be part of that ongoing story.

While the California box has already sold out, it included a few merch items from the store—logo stickers and pens—as a way to share a bit of its spirit. If you’re able, I hope you’ll consider supporting Octavia’s Bookshelf by visiting in person, shopping online, or simply following along on Instagram. These small acts of support truly matter.

Enjoy some pictures I've taken over several visits! Also a big thank you to Nikki for being part of my CA box and being all-around awesome!