Local · Trusted · Free
The Morning Impact — your neighborhood's most important stories, delivered every morning.
Lioness Books officially opened its brick-and-mortar location despite setbacks from a storage fire in late March.
The bookstore, which previously operated as a mobile bookstore, opened its doors for business in Old Town Leander on April 25.
The details
Lioness Books began operating a 20-foot trailer in 2024 with the aim of making reading more accessible, owner Sarah Ambrus said.
Three days before the business’ brick-and-mortar store was set to open, a fire damaged its on-site storage facility, forcing the store to delay its opening. Smoke and water damage remained due to measures taken to extinguish the fire, Ambrus said.
Within days, the community began a GoFundMe to support the bookstore, and several local businesses stepped in to help. The Leander Chamber of Commerce offered to act as a donation site for books, but its office quickly filled up.
"The community was amazing,” Ambrus said. “The community response was amazing.”
Additionally, Sharks Burger, 5th Element Brewing, Turquoise Peacock Boutique and Penny Royal Bakery held fundraisers to help support Lioness Books.
Beyond physical goods and resources, the community donated time in supporting the bookstore as it prepared to open.
The setup
The bookstore features a wide selection of titles across genres. The location features rooms for nonfiction, fiction and children's literature. Additionally, the store offers merchandise such as bookmarks, stickers and tote bags.
The bookstore also offers a "Lioness Loyalty Program" and perks for teachers.
Regarding the name, Ambrus said she chose the symbol of a lioness as a “feminine symbol of community.”
