In honor of Black History Month, today’s blog post is all about Black-owned bookstores which have historically been much more than places to buy books but also hubs for activism, awareness and community, and meeting points to celebrate Black history and culture.

We’re primarily covering Black-owned book shops in Brooklyn since that’s where we live and work, but since there are unfortunately only a handful remaining that we could identify, we’ve also included seven more stores to support throughout NYC.

Liz’s Book Bar

Carroll Gardens

Owned by author Maura Cheeks and named after her grandmother, Liz’s Book Bar in Carroll Gardens is home to 4,000 titles spanning genres including literary fiction, romance, biography and children’s books. They also sell coffee, tea and pastries, so be sure to grab something while you’re there. And if you can’t make it to the store, you can shop their books online. Follow their Instagram to keep up with book launches, reading parties, poetry and drawing nights, and plenty of other fun events.

Liz’s Book Bar
315 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Adanne Bookshop

Bed-Stuy

We already wrote about Adanne Bookshop in Our Favorite Brooklyn Bookstores post but we wanted to highlight it again here. At Adanne in Bed-Stuy, owner and former English teacher Darlene Okpo celebrates authors of color and inspires readers to broaden their perspectives. Check out their Instagram for book recommendations.

Adanne Bookshop
115 Ralph Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11221

Gladys Books & Wine

Bed-Stuy

This Black- and lesbian-owned bookstore, cafe and wine bar in Bed-Stuy offers a thoughtful selection featuring authors of color, LGBTQ+ and Brooklyn authors, books about resistance and a young adult section. Named after owner Tiffany Dockery’s grandmother, Gladys is a cozy, welcoming space that offers inclusive events such as Black Trans Spades Night, readings, karaoke, open mic, book club meetings and so much more.

Gladys Books & Wine
306 Malcolm X Boulevard
Brooklyn, NY 11233

Café con Libros

Crown Heights

We’ve also already written about Café con Libros in Our Favorite Brooklyn Bookstores post but being Afro-Latine Womxn owned, we wanted to add to this list as well. At this Crown Heights shop, you can explore their curated collection of intersectional feminist books, sip on coffee, join a book club or take part in a number of other events which you can find on their Instagram.

Café con Libros
724 Prospect Place
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Taylor & Co. Books

Ditmas Park

Former literature professor at Brown University, Andrew Colarusso opened Taylor & Co. Books after returning to Ditmas Park, where he grew up. This Black-owned and family run bookstore sells new and used books, comics and gifts, and hosts numerous events including Photography Club, GraphLit Book Group and storytime. Keep up with the latest events on their Instagram.

Taylor & Co. Books
1021 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, NY 11218

BEM Books & More

Bed-Stuy

Owned by sisters Gabrielle and Danielle Davenport, BEM Books & More is a shop focused on Black food writing, whether it be fiction, nonfiction, poetry or kids’ books. The sisters are Brooklyn based and sell their books online in addition to hosting NYC popups, which you can find out about on their Instagram. And they’ve recently opened up a storefront too!

BEM Books & More
373 Lewis Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11233

Nicholas Brooklyn

Bed-Stuy

We added this on the list thanks to a reader who was kind enough to mention that we’d overlooked Nicholas Brooklyn. The shop is owned by Monique Nicholas whose father started the company back in 1974. Though she’s pivoted the focus from Caribbean paraphernalia to health and wellness, she continues with the same entrepreneurial spirit with which he led. The shop hosts a number of community events from music to workshops to holistic health expos, and they’re known for great customer service, supporting local vendors and uplifting fellow Black-owned businesses. In addition to the book selection, stop by to explore clothing, jewelry, crystals, essential oils, incense and much more. Follow their Instagram to keep up with the latest events.

Nicholas Brooklyn
1396 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

The Little Bookshop

East Williamsburg

Come for the books and stay for the soul-soothing soups—all of which have vegetarian and vegan options. This Black-/Latinx-/woman-owned spot is a cafe, bar and community hub run by Mary and Ashley Jones (mother and daughter), and Ashley’s husband, Hans. And with exciting events like crafting, vision board night, movie night, poetry by candlelight and happy hour, there’s always a new reason to come back.

The Little Bookshop
239 Bushwick Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11206

Nkiru Books

Online

The first Black-owned bookstore in Brooklyn was founded in 1976 by Leothy Miller Owens, taken over by Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey in the ’90s and today operates an online shop.

Black-Owned Bookstores Across NYC

Bronx

The Lit Bar — Mott Haven

Manhattan

The Schomburg Shop — Harlem

Sister’s Uptown — Washington Heights

Grandma’s Place — Harlem

Revolution Books — Harlem

Online

lazy &Lit. — NYC-based monthly book fairs, Online shop

Huemanbooks — Formerly in Harlem, Now online

Looking for more Black-owned Brooklyn businesses to support?

Check out our posts listing 11 Black-Owned Coffee Shops, 9 Brooklyn BIPOC-Owned Restaurants, Black-owned businesses to support on Valentine’s Day and How to Support Black-Owned Brooklyn Businesses.