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3 Black-Owned NYC Bookstores You Need To Visit

Jamie Jenkins profile image
by Jamie Jenkins
3 Black-Owned NYC Bookstores You Need To Visit
Photo by Said Camlica / Unsplash

New York City is home to a few standout Black-owned bookstores, each dedicated to celebrating Black voices and community. This guide highlights three must-visit spots where you can discover inspiring literature, unique finds, and support local businesses.

1) Adanne Bookstore

Darlene Okpo | Photo: Ashley Wilson

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, Adanne is more than just a bookstore. It's an ode to Black literary brilliance. It champions a diversified array of voices, ensuring that every shelf is a rich tapestry of narratives, histories, and visions.

What Sets It Apart

Adanne is proud of its community engagement. Beyond its shelves, it hosts poetry slams, author readings, and engaging discussions on relevant topics. It's not just a place to buy a book but an experience that binds readers and thinkers.

Insider Tip

Don't forget to check their events calendar or ask the knowledgeable staff for the latest recommendations. Grab a book and lose yourself in the cozy corners that this haven offers.

2) Cafe con Libros - Brewing Stories in Brooklyn

Photo: Cafe Con Libros

Overview

Blending the intoxicating aroma of fresh coffee with the allure of good literature, Cafe con Libros is a feminist bookstore and coffee shop that merges two of life’s greatest pleasures.

What Sets It Apart

As an intersectional feminist space, it prioritizes and amplifies the voices of Black women, ensuring representation and bringing much-needed narratives to the forefront. The cafe ambiance paired with the rich literary offerings makes it a unique space where you can sip, read, and contemplate.

Insider Tip

Try their signature lattes while diving into a book. And if you're a feminist literary enthusiast, don't miss out on their monthly book club meetings.

📍724 Prospect Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11216

3) The Lit Bar - Where Culture Meets Literature

Photo: Natalie Paul (Google)

Overview

Brought to life by the resilient and vibrant Noëlle Santos, The Lit. Bar graces the Bronx as the only bookshop in the borough, offering a delightful fusion of literary enrichment and delightful wine selections.

What Sets It Apart

The Lit. Bar isn't just a bookstore; it's a narrative of the Bronx, mirroring the lively and diverse culture that defines the borough. It's a space that actively celebrates diversity through a thoughtfully curated collection of general interest books, gift items, and programs emphasizing local interest and inclusivity. The graffiti and chandelier theme impeccably amalgamates elegance with street art, creating a backdrop as multifaceted as Noëlle and the community it serves.

Insider Tip

When you visit, don't just stop at books; enjoy a curated wine experience that pairs perfectly with a good book, allowing for relaxed sips as you dive into riveting narratives.

📍131 Alexander Ave, Bronx, NY 10454

Jamie Jenkins profile image
by Jamie Jenkins

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