Queer Haven Books in Columbia, S.C., is moving to a new, larger location, the Post and Courier reported. Currently located at 1332 Main St. Suite 120, Queer Haven will be relocating two blocks away, to 1219 Taylor St.
The new space is roughly three times larger than the previous one, allowing store owner Baker Rogers and their team to expand the bookstore's inventory, host more events, and add a full espresso menu along with additional beer, wine, and THC drink options.
It is next door to a public parking garage, and has a large glass facade for better accessibility and visibility. There will also be more room for customers and community members to sit and relax.
"The space has definitely become too small for us over the last two years," Rogers told the Post and Courier. "While the cost will obviously be a lot more, the landlord really worked with us to make this possible, but we will need the entire community's support to afford the new space and continue to grow."
In addition to hosting new events like crafting nights and a mutual aid book club, Queer Haven plans to host larger author events, open mics, live music nights, and more. Community members will also have the opportunity to host their own events and make use of the space when the store is not open.
Rogers noted that the team has not "decided exactly how the layout will look, but it will be a comfy and cozy space for the queer community and allies to enjoy time together and continue to build solidarity in these difficult times."
Queer Haven Books began as a pop-store, with Rogers opening the bricks-and-mortar space in 2024. An academic with a background in sociology and social work, Rogers's area of expertise was queer life in the Southeastern U.S. After seeing Columbia's queer scene shrink over the years, Rogers decided to open a bookstore to create a place for the city's queer community and allies.
The store's lease ends in its current location at the end of the month. Rogers hopes to have the store open in its new home by the middle of March and will look for community volunteers to help with the move.