Stock Up on Books From These Black-Owned Bookshops Across the US

Located in Little Rock and founded by art-lover Garbo Hearne, Pyramid Art has been around since 1988. The idea of the store stemmed from Hearne's passion for and appreciation of Black art and culture. Pyramid has hosted hundreds of book signings, cultural events, and programs over the years and is continuing to educate and inspire those in the community.

Reparations Book Club in Los Angeles is a concept shop and community space that hosts tons of great talks in addition to its bookselling business.

More California bookstores:

The Key Bookstore in Hartford is more than just a place that sells books; it has activities, events, and community engagement opportunities so everyone can learn from each other. In addition, The Key Bookstore's selection is curated on the pillars of Afrocentricity, spirituality, environmentalism, and entrepreneurship.

This bookstore is full of powerful, fun, and sweet reads for kids and adults alike. The St. Petersburg shop holds interactive events for children and even has its own book club. From books that teach kids to be antiracist to titles that will inspire them to achieve their dreams, Cultured Books is a great resource for people of all ages.

More Florida bookstores:

This thoughtfully curated kid's bookstore in Decatur features a broad selection of diverse stories, creative workshops, and more. With events and classes for little ones that are enriching and inspiring, children are encouraged to channel their creative writing and storytelling abilities.

More Georgia bookstores:

This Black-woman-owned bookstore and gallery can be found in West Town Chicago. With books ranging from prominent new titles to must-read favorites, Semicolon Bookstore is a bookworm's dream.

This note from the owner of the shop, DL Mullen, sums up her hopes for the store, as well as for society: "If you're still reading, let this act as your reminder that action is the ONLY catalyst for change. We'll never be completely ready, but getting to the other side of our dreams, our plans, and ourselves cannot be accomplished without taking that first step forward. Let's continue to support the magic, the finesse, and the audacity of Black women in all their glory."

More Illinois bookstores:

Located in South Bend, Brain Lair Books' main mission is to help everyone, especially young children and teenagers, see themselves in a better light. The store believes that through reading, you get a clearer vision of what's possible, what you can do, and where you can go in life.

More Indiana bookstores:

A proud supporter of voting, Between the Lines Bookstore in Baton Rouge provides connections between authors, readers, and the community. With books for all ages, you can stock up on titles about history, race, and family.

Another Louisiana bookstore:

This family-run bookshop has locations in Prince George's County and Washington DC. The husband and wife who own Mahogany Books also run a give-back program, Books for the Block.

More Maryland bookstores:

This family-owned community bookstore in Boston has a passion for promoting literacy for children, teens, and adults. The store's wide collection of titles range from cute children's reads to empowering memoirs.

Another Massachusetts bookstore:

An independent bookstore in Detroit's Midtown district, Source Booksellers has a huge collection of diverse books. It's complete with historical, cultural, and nonfiction titles, so you're sure to find your next read here.

More Michigan bookstores:

EyeSeeMe Children's Bookstore in University City has a mission to be a resource to everyone in the community, including parents and teachers, by providing children's books that promote positive images and stories about Black culture and history. The store hopes to increase literacy and help Black children see themselves respectfully represented in the literature they consume.

More Missouri bookstores:

Located in Omaha, Aframerican Bookstore was established in 1990 with African-centered writings top of mind. The purpose of the store is to promote the distribution of literary works that are uplifting to the community and all those in it.

With books about history, religion, and poetry, La Unique African American Books & Cultural Center in Camden has a vast collection for all kinds of readers. The shop also offers skin care products in addition to books.

Another New Jersey bookstore:

Cafe Con Libros is Brooklyn's only feminist bookstore and coffee shop. This store's selection of books is carefully picked and used to create a sense of community for everyone, especially women. The bookstore even ran its own podcast for a while called "Conversations From the Cafe."

More New York bookstores:

Founded by Abbigail "Abbi" Glen, a Philly girl who relocated to Charlotte, Shelves Bookstore is her way of sharing her love for books with others. Her shop is a place where people of all ages can find great stories, have meaningful discussions, and even get insight from prominent authors and guest speakers.

Opened by Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, Fulton Street Books and Coffee in Tulsa has an intersectional focus on Black and feminist literature. They host occasional speaker events in their super cozy space, as well.

Complete with monthly events and a full menu packed with sandwiches, coffee, and vegan offerings, Philly-based Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books is more than a bookstore, it's a community. Come here to enjoy a quiet afternoon of reading, or stop by to participate in one of the fun events.

More Pennsylvania bookstores:

Started by best friends Valinda Miller and Arrylee Satterfield, Turning Page Bookshop in Goose Creek was a way for the two to spread their love for books while also giving back to the community. Their store offers a selection of different genres like young adult and mystery books.

Located in Memphis, The African Place was established in 1999 and is operated by Trina Clemmons and her sister, Doris Clemmons. The store carries African clothing, artwork, and Rasta apparel, along with books and movies.

Another Tennessee bookstore:

Duncanville-based Enda's Booktique's Instagram bio says it best: "An independent bookstore owned by an African American educator. Our collection of books are written by women, for women, and about women." Check out the site for featured writers, book recommendations, and more!

More Texas bookstores:

The Printed Word Bookstore in Portsmouth is a small shop dedicated to early childhood literacy and giving back to the community. This independent shop has a mix of new and second-hand books and a warm, community vibe.

More Virginia bookstores:

This indie bookstore in DC specializes in diverse books along with home goods and cute gifts. Loyalty Bookstore also has a team of vendors and community partners who it works with to put on intimate events for avid readers and authors.

More Washington DC bookstores:

Estelita's Library in Seattle is a community hub focused on social justice, modeled after Nicaraguan community-building tactics.

The African American Literature Book Club is an online bookstore that celebrates Black culture through books, conversations, and events that any and all readers can enjoy. The store maintains a curated collection of over 13,000 books that cover over a century of Black literature, as well as over 4,800 profiles on authors that include biographies, published books, interviews, videos, and more. Readers can also join in on discussions that cover Black literature, culture, and poetry, to name a few.

Another online bookstore:

Emma Glassman-Hughes (she/her) is the associate editor at PS Balance. In her seven years as a reporter, her beats have spanned the lifestyle spectrum; she's covered arts and culture for The Boston Globe, sex and relationships for Cosmopolitan, and food, climate, and farming for Ambrook Research.