Bookstores in the United States that Specialize in Black Literature

Add a Black-owned bookstore to this list. Read about AALBC’s Founder’s favorite 10 Bookstores.

View this List by Bookstore Nameon a List, or on a Map



10 Bookstores Found in New York


Blenheim Hill Books

Photo of Blenheim Hill Books

Click for Map698 Main Street, Suite A
Hobart, NY 13788

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Profile Page for: Blenheim Hill Books
Store Hours:
Owner/Proprietor: Cheryl Clarke Barbara Balliet &
Phone: 607-538-9222
Stored Opened in: 2005

Blenheim Hill Books Information Updated: 2017-03-10

Cafe con Libros

Photo of Cafe con Libros

Click for Map724 Prospect Place
Brooklyn, NY 11216

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Profile Page for: Cafe con Libros
Store Hours: Tue to Fri 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sun 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Owner/Proprietor: Kalima DeSuze
Phone: 347-460-2838
Stored Opened in: 2017
Cafe con Libros (coffee with books) is an intersectional Feminist community bookstore and coffee shop. Through our choice of books, programming and great coffee, we endeavor to create a vibrant community space where everyone; specifically female identified folx, feel centered, affirmed and celebrated.
Cafe con Libros Information Updated: 2018-02-02

Cups and Books

Photo of Cups and Books

Click for Map2024 Bedford Ave
New York, NY 11226E

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Profile Page for: Cups and Books
Store Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Owner/Proprietor:
Phone: (718) 484-7628
Stored Opened in: 2020
Cups and Books is a black family owned and operated, independent cafe bookstore located in the heart of Brooklyn, NY within (Prospect Lefferts-Gardens).
Cups and Books Information Updated: 2023-03-08

Grandma’s Place

Photo of Grandma’s Place

Click for Map84 West 120th Street
Harlem, NY 10027

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Profile Page for: Grandma’s Place
Store Hours: Tue - Thu: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm, Fri - Sat: 10:30 am - 8:30 am, Sun: 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Owner/Proprietor: Grandma Dawn
Phone: (212) 360-6776
Stored Opened in: 2009
Harlem's Premier Children's Book and Toy Store
Grandma’s Place Information Updated: 2015-01-25

Mood Makers Books & Art Gallery Village Gate Square

Photo of Mood Makers Books & Art Gallery Village Gate Square

Click for Map274 N. Goodman St.
Rochester, NY 14607

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Profile Page for: Mood Makers Books & Art Gallery Village Gate Square
Store Hours: Mon - Sat 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Closed Sun
Owner/Proprietor:
Phone: 877.223.1730
Stored Opened in: 1994

Mood Makers Books & Art Gallery Village Gate Square Information Updated: 2014-03-19

Sister’s Uptown Bookstore

Photo of Sister’s Uptown Bookstore

Click for Map1942 Amsterdam Avenue (at 156th Street)
New York, NY 10032

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Profile Page for: Sister’s Uptown Bookstore
Store Hours: Mon - Fri: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sat: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sun 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Owner/Proprietor: Janifer P. Wilson
Phone: 212-862-3680
Stored Opened in: 2000
African-centered, homework help, internet, lectures, sign language classes, spoken word poetry, theatrical productions, yoga
Sister’s Uptown Bookstore Information Updated: 2014-03-19

Taylor & Co. Books

Photo of Taylor & Co. Books

Click for Map1021 Cortelyou Rd
Brooklyn, NY 11218

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Profile Page for: Taylor & Co. Books
Store Hours: Mon Closed, Tue - Sat 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Sun 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Owner/Proprietor:
Phone: (347) 425-7770
Stored Opened in: 2022

Taylor & Co. Books is a black-owned, family-run shop for new and used books, comics, and gifts. Not since the venerable Mostly Books closed in the late 90s has Brooklyn's Ditmas Park had a serviceable bookstore. Now, Taylor & Co. Books is here to supply your literary needs, feed your intellectual curiosities, and provide a neighborhood space where all are welcome and cared for.


Taylor & Co. Books Information Updated: 2023-07-20

The Lit. Bar

Photo of The Lit. Bar

Click for Map131 Alexander Avenue (btwn 134th St. & Bruckner Blvd)
Bronx, NY 10454

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Profile Page for: The Lit. Bar
Store Hours: Sun & Mon 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tues through Sat 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Owner/Proprietor: Noëlle Santos
Phone: (347) 955-3610
Stored Opened in: 2019

The Lit. Bar Information Updated: 2019-08-02

Word Up: Community Bookshop - Libreria Comunitaria

Photo of Word Up: Community Bookshop - Libreria Comunitaria

Click for Map2113 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10032

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Profile Page for: Word Up: Community Bookshop - Libreria Comunitaria
Store Hours: Tues - Fri 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sat 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sun 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Owner/Proprietor: Veronica Liu
Phone: (347) 688-4456
Stored Opened in: 2013

Word Up: Community Bookshop - Libreria Comunitaria Information Updated: 2014-03-19

Zawadi Books

Photo of Zawadi Books

Click for Map1382 Jefferson Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14208

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Profile Page for: Zawadi Books
Store Hours: 12:00 - 4:00 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Owner/Proprietor: Kenneth and Sharon Holley
Phone: (716) 903-6740
Stored Opened in: 1976

Sharon and Kenneth Holley opened Harambee Books and Crafts (renamed Zawadi Books in 2010) around 1976 in Buffalo, NY. Zawadi means “gift” in Swahili, one of the purposes of the products we carry. Our mission is to provide the community with a bookstore that specializes in books and materials that are by and about people of African descent.


Zawadi Books Information Updated: 2022-02-06

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