Now Open!
Birdhouse Books and Gifts is a neighborhood, community-focused independent bookstore in central Austin, Texas. We are a queer-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned business (and all of those are the same person!). We are an indie bookshop focused on inclusivity, community, and welcoming. Our goal is for every person who walks through our doors to feel seen and a sense of belonging here.
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Our selection is ever-expanding as we grow within our space. We've got a fun and beautiful kids and middle grade section, and features for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC authors, alongside new fiction and non-fiction for adults. Check back frequently because we are growing and changing every day!
We have always have full slate of events on the calendar, which are detailed below and updated here monthly. We hope to see you soon at the Birdhouse!
Upcoming Events
July Events:
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Thursdays, July 10-Aug 14, 6:30-8:30 pm: Designing Your Second Half Strategy with Frances Zopp
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This 6-week course will take you on a journey towards what you want and right past your biggest fears. Whether you're looking for a career change, retirement, or starting your own thing, Frances will help you design a strategy that will help you enter your "second half" with confidence
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Tickets Here (limit 12 participants, tickets are required).
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Sunday, July 6 at 1 pm: Local Author Book Club Meetup!
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We will be discussing our June selection, The Last Incarnation of Mairi Fable by Wendolyn Baird, with the author in attendance!
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No need to RSVP, we will be set up at the couches in the back of the store :) This is a casual book club, no stress if you haven't finished or read the book (as long as you don't mind some spoilers!) This is a fun chance to chat with the author and pick up the book, too!
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Thursday, July 10 at 4 pm: Triple Strike book event with author GM Gray
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Join us as GM Gray reads from their queer normative space pirate opera!
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All 4 books in the Triple Strike series will be available for purchase and signing
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Friday, July 11 at 6:30 pm
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Queer Poetry Open Mic Night: The Island of Misfit Poets
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Join us for our monthly celebration of queer joy, heart, vulnerability, strength, love, and community!
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Saturday, July 12 at 11 am: Story Time with Houston author and Super Bowl Champion Martellus Bennett
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Martellus will read Dear Black Boy and Unicorn In My Backyard
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RSVP here as space is limited (RSVP is free)
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Saturday, July 12 at 1 pm: Slices of Black American Life: A Collection of Blaxploitation Poems and Short Stories with Martellus Bennett
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Martellus will read from his collections of poetry and stories, answer questions, and sign copies
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RSVP here as space is limited (RSVP is free)
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Sunday, July 13 at 2 pm
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Summer of Baby-sitter's Club with Graphic Novelist Gabriela Epstein, sponsored by Scholastic!
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Join Gabriela, bestselling artist of Baby-sitter's Club graphic novels Claudia and the New Girl, and Goodbye Stacey, Goodbye for a live drawing, Q&A, friendship bracelet making, book signing, and giveaways!
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All ticket holding attendees will receive a BSC sketchbook and friendship bracelet. All ticket holders will be entered in a raffle to win an exclusive BSC beach towel!
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Friday, July 18th at 7 pm
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Book Launch: The Garden: Poems (2nd Edition) by Birdhouse Resident Poet Marzetta
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Join us in celebrating the launch of Birdhouse Resident Poet Marzetta's new volume: The Garden, 2nd Edition. We recommend reserving a copy of the book with your RSVP to ensure we have enough for the turnout
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Saturday, July 19th at 11 am
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Story Time Book Launch: We Match! By Chris Barton
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Join us for the wonderful Chris Barton as he reads his brand new children's book, We Match! We'll have Chris's other books on hand, like Glitter!, Shark vs Train, and Whoosh!
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Saturday, July 26 at 11 am
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All Ages Drag Story Time with The Trans Era!
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Join The Trans Era for a children's story read-aloud, activities, and a dance party! RSVP is free and all are welcome!
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Saturday, July 26 at 1 pm
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Book Launch: Neon Elegies by LB Benson
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Join author LB Benson for the launch of Neon Elegies - book 2 in the Wolves of Woodbine Hollow paranormal shifter romance series!
We recommend RSVPing with Book Purchase so we can ensure we have the right quantity for the turnout :)
Book Clubs
2025 Local Authors Book Club
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Join us in reading books by Austin and San Antonio-based authors you may not have had the chance to read before! The list for July through December is below!
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Sign up for any month at any time via this form!
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Our next meeting is July 6th at 1 pm to discuss our June selection, The Last Incarnation of Mairi Fable by Wendolyn Baird.
