My Book Trail: CapMetro
To get us in the spirit of this year’s Austin Texas Book Trail on April 12 + 13, we asked a few of our favorite local readers, writers, and community orgs about bookshops on their must-stop list. Keep scrolling to learn which bookstores Gabriela Lemos at CapMetro is hitting up this year.
✽ Meet Gabriela Lemos, communications at CapMetro
Gabriela Lemos is a writer on the Communications team at CapMetro. In her previous life she was an academic but these days she’s working towards her dream of becoming a novelist. Her work has appeared in The Journal of Critical Multilingualism Studies and The Critical Survey of American Literature.
CapMetro is Austin's regional public transportation provider. Since 1985, we work every day to give residents, commuters and visitors the best possible transit options available to match their busy everyday lives. We're always on the move, connecting people with jobs, schools, restaurants, shops, festivals and other great places to hang out. In fact, we have more than 31 million boardings each year.
What’s on Gabriela of CapMetro’s Book Trail?
I’m super excited about the Book Trail because I’m relatively new to Austin and it’s giving me a reason to explore more of the shops in this great local bookstore scene. First Light Books, I love you, but I need to branch out!
Day One: Saturday, April 12
Saturday I’m catching the train to Downtown Station, then hopping on Bikeshare to the kick-off party at Mañana Dos, of course, because I’m not missing a party!
Shameless plug: CapMetro is giving out 50 free bus passes and 10 free Bikeshare codes to Austin Book Trail participants so you can get some reading in while you ride between book shops. However, I wouldn’t recommend biking and reading at the same time. But the bikes do have baskets for your new reading material. And they’re electric assist, so you don’t have to work as hard to get where you’re going.
Once I’m caffeinated, I’ll take the bus (Route 5) up to Alienated Majesty. I’m always looking for books in translation, so I was excited to see they’re known for this, along with a pretty incredible stock of Spanish-language books.
From there I’ll get back on the bus to go to Livra Books – Route 1 is a straight shot and drops you off right in front of the store! Livra has a great selection of rare books and super knowledgeable staff. My birthday is at the end of April, and I love collecting early edition and vintage books, so I’ll be looking for a special gift for myself. I’m hoping for some birthday luck; maybe a signed copy or first edition!
After Livra I’m jumping back on the bus and heading up to Black Pearl Books via Route 3. It’s my best friend’s favorite spot and it’s been on my radar for a while now, so I can’t wait to see what they’ve got. I’d like to start reading N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth Trilogy, so I’m hoping they have it!
Finally, I’m getting back on Route 3 and finishing the day at Dragon’s Lair, a space I’m more familiar with, to check out their latest volumes of manga (a space-consuming hobby) and newest board games. The staff are so friendly and helpful here – they’re always ready to jump in and offer suggestions!
Day Two: Sunday, April 13
Sunday I’m taking my favorite Route 7 all the way down to Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar. I love how cozy and beautiful the space looks – it’ll be like I’m living out my dream of reading in my very own personal library, complete with ornate rugs and floral wallpaper! I plan to order a hot tea, sink into a cushioned armchair, and dive into one of the books I get on Saturday.
If I don’t get too lost in my book, I’m looking forward to catching Route 5 to the official Book Trail after party at Community Garden nearby to wrap up a perfect weekend!