What are the 3 adjectives you would use to describe your bookstore?

Diverse. Inclusive. Communal. 

Share a quote from a book or poem that bares your bookstore’s soul.

“Books are filled with human thoughts and feelings. People suffering, people who are sad or happy, laughing with joy. By reading their words and their stories, by experiencing them together, we learn about the hearts and minds of other people besides ourselves. Thanks to books, it’s possible to learn not only about the people around us every day, but people living in totally different worlds.” ― Sōsuke Natsukawa, The Cat Who Saved Books

Why was your bookstore founded/what role does it play in the community?

Underdog Bookstore was started with the goal of creating a safer and more queer-inclusive city. As a nonprofit, our mission is to foster community engagement with literacy and learning through diverse books and inclusive events. We also prioritize community care through our mutual aid efforts, host Monrovia’s only community fridge to support food security, and serve as a no-questions-asked donation distribution hub for those in need.

What makes your bookstore unique?

We believe that everyone deserves to feel welcomed in our space and represented on our shelves. Our team of Board Members and Booksellers are committed to providing a safe space that uplifts underrepresented and marginalized voices. Instead of your typical bestsellers shelf, you’ll find Local Authors, Banned Books, and curated collections of LGBTQIA+, AAPI & Middle Eastern, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Disabled & Neurodiverse Voices and Stories.