Investigators from the Leander Fire Department are working diligently to uncover the cause of a fire that recently erupted at a newly established bookstore in the Old Town District. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, prompting immediate efforts to assess the damage.
The fire was confined to a storage structure located in the backyard of the bookstore, which housed not only a significant collection of books but also furniture intended for the store’s opening. Despite the containment, the blaze inflicted extensive damage, with many books reduced to ashes and custom-built shelves rendered unusable.
Sarah Ambrus, a former English teacher with Leander ISD, has been transforming a 115-year-old house into Lioness Books. This renovation, which began a year ago, was meant to mark a new chapter in her life. However, the fire has forced her to reconsider her plans. “While it is a setback, it’s not the end of our story, and we have received a lot of support,” Ambrus remarked, expressing gratitude for the community’s response.
Bruce Somers, a neighbor, witnessed the fire firsthand. “I couldn’t believe it. The building was engulfed in flames,” he stated, recalling the shocking sight from across the street. His wife, Kathy, echoed his sentiments, noting the dedication Ambrus has shown in her efforts to establish the bookstore.
Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, investigators have ruled out arson as a factor. Ambrus shared her feelings of being overwhelmed by the support she has received, stating, “I’m not even thinking about what may have caused it because what’s done is done. We are looking forward to the future.”
To aid in recovery, Ambrus has initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for replacement books and new furniture. The campaign has garnered over half of its target amount, with damages estimated between $40,000 and $50,000. This figure includes losses to the structure, inventory, and furnishings.
Despite the challenges, Ambrus is optimistic about the future of Lioness Books. She plans to utilize her mobile bookstore as part of the Austin Book Trail, which is set to take place on April 4-5, featuring nearly 40 stops throughout the city.
While much of the fire-damaged material will be discarded, some of the burned books will find new life. A New York artist, inspired by social media posts about the fire, has reached out to Ambrus to request some of the books for an art display she is creating.
