South Side San Antonio's sole bookstore in danger of closing, asking for city's help

Dead Tree Books, the only bookstore on San Antonio's South Side, opened April 1 at 5645 S. Flores St., at the intersection of S. Flores Street and E. Southcross Boulevard. Dead Tree Books, the only bookstore on San Antonio's South Side, opened April 1 at 5645 S. Flores St., at the intersection of S. Flores Street and E. Southcross Boulevard. Photo: Courtesy Photo/Kenny Johnson, Dead Tree Books Photo: Courtesy Photo/Kenny Johnson, Dead Tree Books Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close South Side San Antonio's sole bookstore in danger of closing, asking for city's help 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

After three years of serving as San Antonio's sole South Side bookstore, Dead Tree Books is in danger of shutting its South Flores Street doors.

The Twitter account for the mom and pop shop at 5645 S. Flores St. revealed the "hard announcement" Wednesday evening.

"We are really struggling in this location," the tweet reads. "If you love local business, it isn't enough to just love them. They need support, or doors close or businesses move. We are very close to that point. If you want the only bookstore on the South Side to stay where we are, please come in soon and buy something. (It) doesn't have to be much, just something to help us pay the past-due rent. Please."

Community leaders and neighbors have begun rallying around independent booksellers Kenny and Lisa Johnson in an effort to save the store and encourage bibliophiles to shop local.

RELATED: Community rallying around Flip Side Record Parlor, owner to keep the San Antonio staple afloat

South Flores neighbor Folklores Coffee House issued a signal boost via Facebook, saying its side of town "can't afford" to see the only book store close.

Dead Tree Books was not immediately available to comment and it is unclear if the Johnsons have plans to relocate if they are unable to make rent at the current location. Recent social media posts show the store is stocked with literature for summer reading lists and hosts events for poetry readings and book signings.

In 2016, shortly after opening that April, the San Antonio Express-News visited the cozy store and highlighted the importance of having something like it on the South Side, where residents previously had to drive miles to get to the nearest bookstore.

"South Side residents like having access to books," the article reads. "Two of the city's public libraries located on the South Side rank in the top 10 among the city's 28 libraries when it comes to patron visits."

Dead Tree Books hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. An Amazon Store is also available to purchase books online.

Madalyn Mendoza is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @MaddySkye