Black-Owned Bookstores Near You for All Your Reading Needs
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As much as I may love the convenience of shopping online, nothing compares to browsing the stacks at a bookstore. Something about getting lost in the shelves, running my fingers across the spines and discovering new treasures to add to my TBR pile always makes my stress just melt away. More than just storefronts, independent bookstores also serve as community gathering places, support up-and-coming authors and often offer educational resources. But like other small businesses around the country, many have struggled throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, Black-owned bookstores in particular could use our support. But because not all of us have one within driving distance, we've gathered a list of great options who can send your next great read right to your door.
Remember, just like many other independent retailers, bookstores are usually small operations. They don't always have the same resources as the big online distributors to get your purchases shipped out at the drop of a hat, and also have a more curated stock. It may take your book a few more days to arrive, but good things come to those who wait. And if the hot new bestseller you're looking for isn't currently available, remember that independent bookstores are generally staffed by dedicated bookworms who would be happy to help you pivot to something you might like even better. To get even more out of your reading list, some even host online events you can join from wherever you are. Keeping main street alive is up to all of us, so get your clicking fingers ready and throw some of these great retailers some love. Happy reading!
We're just scratching the surface with this list and will continue to update it. If you have a recommendation for a Black-owned bookstore, drop a note in the comments below.
ARKANSAS
Little Rock, AR
Pyramid Art Books & Custom Framing
CALIFORNIA
Long Beach, CA
Shades of Afrika
Los Angeles, CA
Eso Won Bookstore
Vallejo, CA
Ashay by the Bay
Oakland, CA
Marcus Books (local phone orders)
Monterey, CA
Old Capitol Books
Sacramento, CA
Carol’s Books
CONNECTICUT
Hartford, CT
Old Saybrook, CT
Burgundy Books
WASHINGTON, D.C.
District of Columbia
Mahogany Books
FLORIDA
Boynton Beach, FL
Pyramid Books
Longwood, FL
Dare Books
St. Petersburg, FL
Cultured Books
Tampa, FL
Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Culture Museum
Winter Garden, FL
GEORGIA
Atlanta, GA
For Keeps Bookstore
Covington, GA
Onyx Bookstore Cafe
Decatur, GA
The Listening Tree
Lithonia, GA
Black Dot Cultural Center
Rincon, GA
Moore Books
Mableton, GA
All Things Inspiration Giftique
ILLINOIS
Chicago, IL
Frontline Bookstore
Maywood, IL
Afriware Books, Co
INDIANA
South Bend, IN
Brain Lair Books
Kokomo, IN
Beyond Barcodes Bookstore
Evansville, IN
Akoma Novelties & Books
MARYLAND
Silver Spring, MD
Loyalty Bookstore
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston, MA
Frugal Bookstore
Rockport, MA
Susie’s Stories
MICHIGAN
Detroit, MI
Source Booksellers
Highland Park, MI
Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe
Ypsilanti, MI
Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center
MISSOURI
University City, MO
EyeSeeMe
Kansas City, MO
Willa’s Books and Vinyl
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte, NC
Shelves
NEBRASKA
Omaha, NE
Aframerican Book Store
NEW JERSEY
Camden, NJ
La Unique African American Books & Cultural Center
NEW YORK
New York, NY
The Lit. Bar
OHIO
Akron, OH
Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre
Cleveland, OH
A Cultural Exchange
OKLAHOMA
Tulsa, OK
Mocha Books
PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia, PA
Books & Stuff
Ross Township, PA
The Tiny Bookstore
SOUTH CAROLINA
Goose Creek, SC
Turning Page Bookshop
TEXAS
Austin, TX
Black Pearl Books
Dallas, TX
Pan-African Connection
Duncanville, TX
Enda’s Booktique
Fort Worth, TX
The Dock Bookshop
VIRGINIA
Alexandria, VA
Harambee Books and Artworks
Chesapeake, VA
Urban Moon Books
Norfolk, VA
House of Consciousness
Martinsville, VA
Books and Crannies
Virginia Beach, VA
Positive Vibes
WASHINGTON
Seattle, WA
Estelita’s Library
ONLINE ONLY
Loving Me Books
Black Classic Press
The Literacy Shop
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