Fresno Bookstore Honoring BIPOC Authors Relocates With Community Land Trust Help

Judging by the Cover, the Fresno bookstore that has centered BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and small-press authors since opening its Chinatown storefront in October 2024, is relocating to the Tower District through a partnership with South Tower Community Land Trust and is asking the public to help fund the move via a GoFundMe campaign with a $4,000 goal.

Co-owners Ashley and Carlos Mireles-Guerrero founded the store as an online and pop-up operation in 2023 before signing a lease at the F Street Plaza Mini Mall, on F and Tulare Streets in Fresno's Chinatown. The store will remain at that address through April 29, then move to Fulton Street and Thomas Avenue in central Fresno, with a grand opening targeted for later in May.

The GoFundMe had raised roughly $2,500 of its $4,000 goal as of March 11. Funds will go toward moving costs, inventory, new signage, building out the space, adding a part-time staff member, and assorted operating expenses. Ashley Mireles-Guerrero said the timing of donations is critical to the transition. "If we can get this funded ahead of time, then we can do the build out all at once instead of having to stop and do the next part, just a straight through opening," she said.

Without that community capital, the path is harder. Mireles-Guerrero has noted that she and Carlos lack the financial cushions many small-business owners draw on, including 401(k) funds and home equity loans. "The fundraiser is going to make the difference between us moving and it hurting for a while, or us moving and it going very smoothly on day one," she said.

The South Tower Community Land Trust partnership is what made the move possible in the first place. "We love the idea of making things more accessible, more affordable, and so we signed on to move into the new space," Mireles-Guerrero said. The new location is expected to accommodate larger author events and expanded programming, building on support the store has previously received from BincTank and grants from the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation and the Chinatown Foundation.

"Judging by the Cover was created to make books and community events accessible to everyone in Fresno," Mireles-Guerrero said. "This move is a chance to grow our reach, deepen our partnerships, and keep building a space where everyone feels welcome and seen.