Rohi’s Readery, a bookstore located in the Square in downtown West Palm Beach, was the subject of a TikTok video from a conservative TikToker in July. Since the incident, the store has received support nationally from activists and popular TikTokers from across the country rallied to the store’s defense, and the TikToker’s platform has been irrevocably damaged.
TikToker @oliviakrolczyk established her platform on the traditional conservative talking points. She speaks most vehemently about trans issues and is vocally against trans women in sports. A student at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, Olivia’s platform gained attention when she posted in 2021 about being failed in a Gender and Women’s Studies assignment for using the term “biological women.” She led a crusade against the professor, which ultimately proved fruitless, as she violated the syllabus with her assignment. Krolczyk is also the creator who complained about drag queens in the elevator on her campus.
Krolczyk was visiting West Palm Beach in July and walked past Rohi’s Readery. She made a video, blasting the images, signs, and posters supporting social justice causes on the windows of the store. Rohi’s Readery is a children’s book store specializing in inclusive books that address social justice issues, including LGBTQ inclusivity and racial issues. Krolczyk specifically criticized a flier for Compass Community Center’s “Proud Parent” group, which brings together parents of LGBTQ or questioning children. The store was closed, so Krolczyk could not go inside, though she did not seem interested in doing so.
Pranoo Kumar, owner of Rohi’s Readery, shared the immense support she has received both locally and nationally. The video has over 300,000 views, and over 14,000 comments. However, the majority of the comments are in support of Rohi’s Readery. Kumar said that since the video was posted, she has received orders from around the country, including requests for curated book lists. She has also received an influx of likes and supportive messages to the readery’s Instagram page.
Rohi’s Readery was founded in June 2021 to provide representation for historically marginalized communities, including racial, ability, and gender and sexual minority identities. Rohi’s Readery also offers educational programs for the community to share information that is suppressed or not shared in school.
To support Rohi’s Readery, they ask that you shop there, like their Instagram, or share them with friends. They can be reached via their Instagram @rohisreadery. The store is open Tuesday - Sunday. The specific hours can be seen on their website rohisreadery.com.
