Support Local: 5 Black-Owned Brooklyn Bookstores — And 7 More Throughout NYC

February 4, 2025

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, 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

Cups and Books

Flatbush/Prospect Lefferts Gardens

We included Cups and Books on our recent list of 11 Black-Owned Coffee Shops Near Park Slope, but this time we’re highlighting them for their book selection. At Cups and Books, former educators John and Tricia Ocasio carry a large selection of books about people of color as well as bestsellers in a variety of genres, for both adults and kids. Their shop is a place for neighbors and community members to think, work, relax and engage.

Cups and Books
2024 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11226

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

Online

Owned by sisters Gabrielle and Danielle Davenport, BEM Books & More is an online 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. They hope to open a storefront one day, so be on the lookout and support their efforts by ordering a book or two.

Nicholas Brooklyn

@nicholasbrooklyn1974

Major Shoutout to @Nicolas Nuvan for coming to Nicholas and highlighting my business! Appreciate this Brotha so much for everything that he is doing in our communities and our communities abroad. One person can truly make a difference. I feel very blessed and I am so grateful for this opportunity. we have to continue to support one another no matter what… all we have is us! 🙌🏽❤️ 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS‼️ EST. 1974 Thank you to my staff and my crew. @KufunyaStarRebel and Hankh Rising Sun always have my back. I have known them for many many years and hope blessings continue to come our way. Also featured in the video: @coconut_rob who you can find weekly at Nicholas. @_Iamsade_ was also in the building! Upcoming Events: Black Friday Shopping Party hosted by @Sha 11/29 (Vending Opportunities are Available) Open Mic Jam Session with @noelsimone 12/7/24 calling all artists (My Bday Edition) Haitian Vegan Food by @chezmarthacooks You can also find Health & Wellness products by @holisticheights in both of our locations! Harlem Location: 1978 3rd Ave between 108th & 109th @Nicholas on 3rd Ave #crystals #gemstones #sage #palosanto #batanaoil #seamoss #sheabutter #mangobutter #cocoabutter #7daycandles #mullein #burdockroot #ashwagandha #elderberry #oreganooil #bentoniteclay #floridawater #bodyoils #blacksoap #essentialoils #Nicholasbk #Nicholasbrooklyn #openmic #shoppingparty #Repost @nicolasnuvan ・・・ Juice, Crystals, Mad Scientist

♬ original sound – nicholasbrooklyn1974

Bed-Stuy

Okay so we’re actually including more than 5 Brooklyn bookstores 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


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.

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