This is one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to write.

Over the last year, our bookstore (and society) has faced challenges we never imagined when we first opened our doors. In December, as we celebrated our third year in the Long Beach community, we were also confronted with a difficult reality: we aren't going to make it through another year.

Last year, our sales were down 19% compared to 2024, with the most significant losses occurring over the last six months. We were really counting on the holidays to pull us through, but that was not the case. This past summer was especially hard. As a small, independent, woman-owned, minority-owned bookstore, we were doing everything we could to keep our doors open, while also continuing to advocate against the injustices impacting the very communities we opened our Casita doors for.

Out of uncertainty and an abundance of caution, we canceled many events that were deeply meaningful to us. During this time, we focused on social impact work, and we are incredibly grateful for the resilience, care, and support our community showed us. Sadly, our business suffered.

We know the economy has been difficult for everyone. People are being more careful, and the reality is books are a luxury. We are proud of the impact we’ve been able to make through this bookstore, but to keep going, we’ve depleted our savings and taken on debt just to survive the last six months.

Recently, we found ourselves at a crossroads.

We had two choices:

close our doors, or

pivot into a more affordable space—one that gives us a fighting chance to continue.

We are choosing to fight for one more chance. But we can’t do it without your help.

We believe too deeply in what this bookstore represents to walk away without trying everything we can. This space has never been just about selling books. It has always strived to be a place for gathering, for shared stories, for joy, reflection, and resilience. A place where families come together, where authors and readers meet, where conversations are sparked, and where people feel seen and welcome.

To make this move possible, we’re asking for your support.

Your support will help us:

Pay our employees during the transition (our team is everything to us)

Make a dent in the debt we’ve incurred over the last six months

Cover the costs of moving into a more affordable, sustainable space

Give us the breathing room we need to reopen and rebuild

As we all know, asking for help does not come easily, but we’ve learned that community is built not only in moments of joy, but also through honesty, care, and showing up for one another.

If this bookstore has ever been a place of comfort, discovery, connection, or joy for you, or if you believe in the importance of independent bookstores as community spaces, your support means more than we can express.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for helping us turn the page to a new chapter.

Con cariño y gratitud,

Antonette & Casita Bookstore