ABOUT
Lioness Books
ABOUT
Lioness Books
Lioness Books started in 2024 as a mobile used bookseller operating in the greater Austin, Texas area with a vision to make books more accessible to our community. Now we have a brick and mortar store in Old Town Leander with our mobile store still popping up all around the Austin area for events!
We decided to put roots down in Leander to bring an accessible, creative, inclusive, and safe space to our community. Partnering with local businesses, organizations, authors, artists, and creatives has always been at the core of our mission. Therefore, our bookstore will be a space for all and built by many.
At Lioness Books, we take pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, offering a selection of books that represent a variety of voices, perspectives, and principals. We hold belief in the power of literature and its ability to educate, inspire, unite, and bridge gaps in communities and ideologies.
Lioness Books is a neighborhood haven for both new readers and literature enthusiasts alike, and draws inspiration from the noble qualities of a lioness—fiercely protective of her community and exuding a sense of pride.
ABOUT
Lioness Books
Lioness Books started in 2024 as a mobile used bookseller operating in the greater Austin, Texas area with a vision to make books more accessible to our community. Now we have a brick and mortar store in Old Town Leander with our mobile store still popping up around Austin for events!
We decided to put roots down in Leander to bring an accessible, creative, inclusive, and safe space with values of literacy and freedom to our community. Partnering with local businesses, organizations, authors, artists, and creatives has always been at the core of our mission. Therefore, our bookstore is a space built by many.
At Lioness Books, we take pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, offering a selection of books that represent a variety of voices, perspectives, and principals. We hold belief in the power of literature and its ability to educate, inspire, unite, and bridge gaps in communities and ideologies.
Lioness Books is a neighborhood haven for both new readers and literature enthusiasts alike, and draws inspiration from the noble qualities of a lioness—fiercely protective of her community and exuding a sense of pride.
meet our founder
Sarah Ambrus
Lioness Books was founded by Sarah Ambrus, a former educator, advocate, and community builder whose work has always centered on access—to education, to opportunity, and to the power of stories.
Before opening the bookstore, Sarah spent over a decade in public education supporting students, families, and fellow educators. Throughout her career, she remained deeply committed to equity—helping students navigate barriers and advocating for their right to learn, grow, and be seen.
It was during this time that Sarah witnessed firsthand the transformative power of literacy. She saw how access to the right book—and the skills to engage with it—could build confidence, expand perspectives, and open doors that once felt out of reach.
Sarah founded Lioness Books as a natural extension of her life’s work.
What began as a mobile bookstore has grown into a bold vision for a permanent space rooted in community, connection, and purpose.
Sarah’s commitment to community extends far beyond the bookstore. She volunteers with organizations including Leander Women for Progress, Inside Books Project, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, Operation Turkey, and Powered by People; and she serves as a deputy voter registrar in Travis County—work that reflects her deep belief in access, dignity, and civic participation. She has also spoken at conferences around the world on advocacy and education for the Anti-Defamation League, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Deming Institute, Irish Bookseller’s Conference and was honored as Advocate of the Year by the Texas Council on Family Violence in 2015.
Sarah believes that a bookstore is more than a place to buy books—it is a place to gather, to question, and to give back. Grounded in the conviction that the freedom to read is a cornerstone of democracy, Lioness Books exists as both a vibrant literary space and an ongoing act of resistance against censorship and suppression.
meet our founder
Sarah Ambrus
Lioness Books was founded by Sarah Ambrus, a former educator, advocate, and community builder whose work has always centered on access—to education, to opportunity, and to the power of stories.
Before opening the bookstore, Sarah spent over a decade in public education supporting students, families, and fellow educators. Throughout her career, she remained deeply committed to equity—helping students navigate barriers and advocating for their right to learn, grow, and be seen.
It was during this time that Sarah witnessed firsthand the transformative power of literacy. She saw how access to the right book—and the skills to engage with it—could build confidence, expand perspectives, and open doors that once felt out of reach.
It was during this time that Sarah witnessed firsthand the transformative power of literacy. She saw how access to the right book—and the skills to engage with it—could build confidence, expand perspectives, and open doors that once felt out of reach.
Sarah founded Lioness Books as a natural extension of her life’s work. What began as a mobile bookstore has grown into a bold vision for a permanent space rooted in community, connection, and purpose.
Sarah’s commitment to community extends far beyond the bookstore. She volunteers with organizations including Leander Women for Progress, Inside Books Project, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, Operation Turkey, and Powered by People; and she serves as a deputy voter registrar in Travis County—work that reflects her deep belief in access, dignity, and civic participation. She has also spoken at conferences around the world on advocacy and education for the Anti-Defamation League, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Deming Institute, Irish Bookseller’s Conference and was honored as Advocate of the Year by the Texas Council on Family Violence in 2015.
Sarah believes that a bookstore is more than a place to buy books—it is a place to gather, to question, and to give back. Grounded in the conviction that the freedom to read is a cornerstone of democracy, Lioness Books exists as both a vibrant literary space and an ongoing act of resistance against censorship and suppression.
Video credit: Jahmal at cinereal imaging
Sharing Stories, Building Communities
At Lioness Books, we believe in the power of stories to uplift, educate, and connect communities. That’s why we proudly accept used book donations, ensuring that books find new homes where they can continue to inspire. Unsold books are donated to local nonprofits, schools, and organizations that share our mission to promote literacy. By giving books a second life, we contribute to reducing waste and fostering a love for reading.
As part of our commitment to sustainability and community, we’re honored to be listed on the Austin Reuse Directory, recognized for our efforts to reuse and share old treasures. Every book donated or redistributed helps us build a brighter, more informed future for our community.
meet
our founder
Sarah Ambrus
Lioness Books was founded by Sarah Ambrus, a former educator, advocate, and community builder whose work has always centered on access—to education, to opportunity, and to the power of stories.
Before opening the bookstore, Sarah spent over a decade in public education supporting students, families, and fellow educators. Throughout her career, she remained deeply committed to equity—helping students navigate barriers and advocating for their right to learn, grow, and be seen.
It was during this time that Sarah witnessed firsthand the transformative power of literacy. She saw how access to the right book—and the skills to engage with it—could build confidence, expand perspectives, and open doors that once felt out of reach.
Sarah founded Lioness Books as a natural extension of her life’s work. What began as a mobile bookstore has grown into a bold vision for a permanent space rooted in community, connection, and purpose.
Sarah’s commitment to community extends far beyond the bookstore. She volunteers with organizations including Leander Women for Progress, Inside Books Project, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, Operation Turkey, and Powered by People; and she serves as a deputy voter registrar in Travis County—work that reflects her deep belief in access, dignity, and civic participation. She has also spoken at conferences around the world on advocacy and education for the Anti-Defamation League, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Deming Institute, Irish Bookseller’s Conference and was honored as Advocate of the Year by the Texas Council on Family Violence in 2015.
Sarah believes that a bookstore is more than a place to buy books—it is a place to gather, to question, and to give back. Grounded in the conviction that the freedom to read is a cornerstone of democracy, Lioness Books exists as both a vibrant literary space and an ongoing act of resistance against censorship and suppression.
Video credit: Jahmal at cinereal imaging
Sharing Stories, Building Communities
At Lioness Books, we believe in the power of stories to uplift, educate, and connect communities. That’s why we proudly accept used book donations, ensuring that books find new homes where they can continue to inspire. Unsold books are donated to local nonprofits, schools, and organizations that share our mission to promote literacy. By giving books a second life, we contribute to reducing waste and fostering a love for reading.
As part of our commitment to sustainability and community, we’re honored to be listed on the Austin Reuse Directory, recognized for our efforts to reuse and share old treasures. Every book donated or redistributed helps us build a brighter, more informed future for our community.
Sharing Stories, Building Communities
At Lioness Books, we believe in the power of stories to uplift, educate, and connect communities. That’s why we proudly accept used book donations, ensuring that books find new homes where they can continue to inspire. Unsold books are donated to local nonprofits, schools, and organizations that share our mission to promote literacy. By giving books a second life, we contribute to reducing waste and fostering a love for reading.
As part of our commitment to sustainability and community, we’re honored to be listed on the Austin Reuse Directory, recognized for our efforts to reuse and share old treasures. Every book donated or redistributed helps us build a brighter, more informed future for our community.
