In this blog post, we present a list of notable Black-owned bookstores and business libraries in the U.S. These establishments serve as vital community hubs, promoting literacy, education, and cultural awareness.
Discover some of the best places to find literature and support Black entrepreneurship across the country.
Mahoganybooks 📚
📍Location : Washington (D.C)
Unapologetically Black-owned, family-run and operated. MahoganyBooks is a local independent bookstore that believes in social entreprenuership.
They take a leadership role in the African American community by promoting reading, writing, and cultural awareness as tools to improve self-esteem, self-love and ultimately our communities to enrich the lives of motivated individuals.
Visit their websiteSANKOFA VIDEO BOOKS & CAFE 📚
📍Location : Washington (D.C)
Sankofa Video Books & Cafe, located in Washington, D.C., is a unique and vibrant hub dedicated to celebrating Black culture and history.
Founded in 1998 by filmmakers Haile and Shirikiana Gerima, the store was named after the acclaimed film “Sankofa,” directed by Haile Gerima. The term “Sankofa” comes from the Akan language of Ghana, meaning “to go back and get it,” symbolizing the importance of understanding and embracing one’s heritage.
Visit their websiteSemicolon Bookstore & Gallery
📍Location : (Chicago, IL)
Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery, located in Chicago, IL, is the city’s only Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space.
Founded by Danielle Mullen in 2019, it offers a curated selection of books with a strong emphasis on works by Black authors and other underrepresented voices.
The store also features an art gallery, showcasing works from diverse artists. Semicolon serves as a community hub, hosting events and promoting literacy through initiatives like their #ClearTheShelves program, which donates books to local students. This vibrant space combines a love for literature and art while fostering community engagement and cultural awareness.
Visit their websiteUncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
📍Location : (Philadelphia, PA)
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, located in Philadelphia, PA, is a community-centered bookstore and café founded by Marc Lamont Hill in 2017.
The store offers a wide selection of books, focusing on Black authors and diverse voices, alongside a cozy café serving coffee and snacks.
Uncle Bobbie’s hosts a variety of events, including book signings, discussions, and community gatherings, making it a vibrant hub for cultural and intellectual engagement. The welcoming atmosphere and commitment to social justice and education make Uncle Bobbie’s a cherished space for both locals and visitors.
Visit their websiteMalik BOOKS
📍Location : (Los Angeles, CA)
Malik Books, located in Los Angeles, CA, is a prominent Black-owned bookstore that specializes in African American literature and cultural items.
Founded by Malik Muhammad, the store offers a wide range of books, from children’s literature to adult fiction and non-fiction, focusing on works by Black authors.
Malik Books also features cultural gifts and hosts community events, including book signings and discussions. With its dedication to promoting literacy and cultural awareness, Malik Books serves as a vital resource for the local community.
Visit their WebsiteMarcus BOOKS
📍Location : (Oakland, CA)
Marcus Books (formerly “Success Printing” and “Success Books”), was founded in 1960, and is the oldest bookstore that specializes in African-American literature, history, and culture in the United States.
For many years, it has been located in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco, with a second location in Oakland, California.
The store has remained independent and family-owned since its founding, and it is considered a community space for African-American and literary culture in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Visit their WebsiteThe Dock Bookshop
📍Location : (Fort Worth, Texas)
The Dock Bookshop, located in Fort Worth, TX, is one of the largest Black-owned bookstores in Texas.
It offers an extensive selection of books, particularly highlighting African American literature and authors. Founded by Donya Craddock and her family, the store also sells cultural gifts and hosts various community events, such as author readings, book clubs, and educational workshops.
The Dock Bookshop is dedicated to promoting literacy, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
Visit their WebsiteBlack Garnet Books
📍Location : (Minneapolis, MN)
Black Garnet Books, based in Minneapolis, MN, is a Black-owned bookstore founded by Dionne Sims.
It focuses on highlighting authors of color, with a strong emphasis on Black authors and diverse narratives. Initially starting as a pop-up shop, Black Garnet Books aims to become a permanent fixture in the community, offering a wide range of genres from children’s books to adult literature.
The store’s mission is to promote inclusivity in reading and provide a welcoming space for readers to discover and celebrate diverse voices.
Visit their WebsiteEyeSeeMe African American Children’s Bookstore
📍Location : (Minneapolis, MN)
EyeSeeMe African American Children’s Bookstore, located in St. Louis, MO, is dedicated to promoting literacy and cultural awareness among children. Founded by Jeffrey and Pamela Blair, the store specializes in books that reflect African American culture and history.
EyeSeeMe offers a wide range of children’s books, educational materials, and cultural products. It also hosts events like author visits and storytelling sessions to engage and inspire young readers. The bookstore’s mission is to provide children with literature that positively reflects their identity and experiences.
Visit their WebsiteFrugal Bookstore
📍Location : (Minneapolis, MN)
Frugal Bookstore, located in Roxbury, MA, is a beloved Black-owned bookstore dedicated to promoting literacy and community engagement.
Owned by Clarissa and Leonard Egerton, the store offers a wide range of books, with a focus on African American literature and authors. Frugal Bookstore is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong community ties, often hosting events such as book signings, readings, and educational workshops.
The store’s mission is to make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone, fostering a love for books and learning within the community.
Visit their Website