By Rheannon Boerstra Published December 1, 2025
Creating a Space for Everyone at the Table
When Emily Autenrieth founded A Seat at the Table Books, it wasn’t just about opening a bookstore. It was about creating a space where everyone could belong.
Elk Grove had few independent bookstores and limited spaces where neurodivergent and marginalized communities could feel celebrated. Emily saw an opportunity to bring those needs together in one vision: a bookstore, cafe, and third space where people could feel safe, seen, and included.
“It all came together in one idea that sort of took me by storm,” Emily said.
From Idea to Opening the Doors
In 2021, Emily worked with Natasha Palumbo from California Capital’s Women’s Business Center to turn her vision for A Seat at the Table Books into a real plan she could act on. They focused on both the heart of her mission and the practical details of running a business.
“She was so good at understanding the core of my business, the heart of what I was trying to do, but she was also really great at the pragmatics and the finances,” Emily said.
With that guidance, Emily was able to secure her commercial lease and the necessary license, bringing her idea to life!
Where They Are Today
Now, in 2026, A Seat at the Table Books has grown into a vibrant community hub. The space hosts author events, workshops, networking mixers, birthday parties, and even weddings. Community partnerships remain central to the mission. Used book donations support the local food bank, and a community pantry inside the cafe is stocked and maintained by Moms of Elk Grove to ensure families have access to what they need.
Even the coffee reflects Emily’s values. Beans from local, eco-friendly, queer-owned Anchor and Tree are roasted on a zero-emission Bellwether Coffee Roaster and available to take home.
“We are here for everyone to see themselves in books, for both education and safety. We are here to build community, address the loneliness epidemic, and make sure that everyone feels valued for who they are.”
At its core, A Seat at the Table Books continues to do exactly what Emily set out to do by creating a place where people can see themselves, feel valued, and build meaningful connections.
