Supporters of Marcus Books want to raise money to purchase the Victorian building which houses the neighborhood institution.
The San Francisco Community Land Trust has already raised about two thirds of the money needed.
Tracy Parent, the head of that group, explains why Marcus Books is so important.
"It is the oldest, African American owned black bookstore in the country," she said. "And it's also not just a retail bookstore, it's actually a cultural facility here in the Fillmore. It's been in this location since 1981 but it's been around since 1960."
Backers of Marcus Books have until the end of February to raise about $1 million to finish the purchase.
