Leander Bookstore's Inventory Destroyed in Fire Days Before Opening

A mobile bookstore in Leander will postpone the opening of its brick-and-mortar storefront after a fire Wednesday destroyed all of its furniture and inventory.

Lioness Books was planning to participate in the Austin Texas Book Trail on April 4, with its grand opening set for April 11. The store will no longer participate in the event next week and the grand opening has been delayed indefinitely.

Once open, the storefront will be located at 208 N. Gabriel St. in Old Town Leander.

The fire occurred at an on-site storage shed where small business owner Sarah Ambrus had been keeping the store’s furniture and inventory ahead of move-in day, which would’ve been Sunday.

"This bookstore has always been more than just a business—it’s been a gathering place, a source of inspiration, and a safe haven for book lovers of all ages in our community," wrote Ambrus’s sister, who started a GoFundMe in her honor.

The GoFundMe has already raised more than half of its $4,500 goal. Proceeds will help replenish the lost inventory, purchase new furniture for the store and rebuild the storage shed destroyed in the fire.

The Leander Chamber of Commerce is accepting book donations at 103 N. West Drive on behalf of the bookstore. The store is also accepting donations of water and personal protective equipment to help with cleanup.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.