In addition to selling books, Black Pearl Books serves as a community hub, hosting author talks and fostering conversations around literature.

The bookstore gained popularity during the pandemic, allowing it to expand its offerings and establish a community presence.

Black Pearl Books, founded by Eric and Katrina Brooks in 2019, began as an online store and transitioned to a physical location on Burnet Road in 2022, making it one of the few Black-owned bookstores in Texas.

Located in North Austin, Black Pearl Books focuses on providing access to literature, particularly books banned by Texas school districts, which removed 538 titles during the 2023-2024 school year.

The Brooks emphasize that when books are banned, sales often increase, highlighting the community's demand for diverse literature.

Eric Brooks outlines the dual mission of the bookstore and their nonprofit, Put It in a Book, which aims to create an equitable world through literature and education.

The bookstore also offers free books and operates a section called 'Refurbished Reads,' with proceeds supporting their nonprofit initiatives.

Katrina Brooks noted the significant impact that access to books had on her children's development, which inspired their mission to ensure everyone can access diverse literature.

Put It in a Book promotes literacy and representation by donating books to Title I schools, women’s prisons, and supporting banned book clubs in local high schools.