East Bay Booksellers “A Total Loss” After Devastating Fire

East Bay Booksellers, a cherished independent bookstore in Oakland, CA, was left in ruins following a three-alarm fire early Tuesday morning. The fire, which ignited at 5:25 AM, is currently under investigation, with authorities working to determine its origin and cause.

In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, owner Brad Johnson expressed his sorrow and determination. “The building is still standing, but the store is gutted,” Johnson said. He also noted that several neighbors had been displaced due to the blaze.

Despite the significant damage, Johnson remains resilient. “Business has effectively been shut down,” he stated, but assured customers that the store could still process online orders for shipping and gift card purchases. This move aims to keep the spirit of East Bay Booksellers alive, even as the physical location faces an uncertain future.

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help rebuild the beloved bookstore. With a fundraising goal of $200,000, the community has shown incredible support, raising more than $36,000 within the first 24 hours.

The outpouring of donations and messages of encouragement highlights the deep bond between East Bay Booksellers and its patrons. As the investigation continues and efforts to rebuild begin, Johnson and his team remain hopeful that the store will rise from the ashes, stronger than ever.

Support East Bay Booksellers by visiting their online store or contributing to the GoFundMe campaign to help restore this treasured community hub.