Owner and community devastated after fire destroys popular Oakland bookstore [Video]

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Flames tore through a popular locally-owned bookstore in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood early Tuesday morning.

Video shared by the Oakland Fire Department shows shelves of books engulfed in flames.

The fire that began at East Bay Booksellers on College Avenue is out, leaving charred books and broken glass, but traffic in the area is still being impacted hours later.

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Some told ABC7 News the popular bookstore was an anchor in the community, and meant so much to those who live nearby. Now, it’s gone.

East Bay Booksellers owner Brad Johnson says he’s just coming to grips with that.

“Still in a state of shock, very much sort of just overwhelmed by the scene,” Johnson said. “I’m slowly feeling like I’m stepping into the actual …