10 Latinx-Owned Bookstores to Start Shopping at Immediately
There are so many fantastic books out by Latinx authors, that it has us thinking a lot about walking through the aisles of a bookstore and picking up a stack of books
Photo: Jason Leung on Unsplash
There are so many fantastic books out by Latinx authors, that it has us thinking a lot about walking through the aisles of a bookstore and picking up a stack of books. We love supporting Latinx writers, but isn’t it even better if we can support authors and Latinx booksellers all in one fell swoop? There are actually quite a few Latinx bookstores throughout the country that are open for both in-person and online shopping. It’s also worth noting you’ll find ALL kinds of books at these shops. Next time you’re in the market for a new read, be sure to check out all of these awesome Latinx bookstores for all of your libro needs.wp_*posts
Kew & Willow Books – New York
Located in Kew Gardens, New York, Kew & Willow Books celebrated its fourth anniversary in October 2021. The bricks and mortar store is beautiful and authentic to the neighborhood, but the store’s inventory is also available online. The store offers books from every genre, including children’s books, supports the LGBTQ community and hosts special events as well.
Visit Kew & Willow Books at 81-63 Lefferts Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY.wp_*posts
Cafe Con Libros – New York
Also located in New York is Cafe Con Libros. Self-described as, “Brooklyn’s Intersectional Feminist indie bookstore & coffee shop,” this shop is Afro-Latinx-owned and socially conscious. You’ll find just about any book you’re looking for here, and if not, they’ll order it for you. Plus, you can also get your daily cafecito whenever you stop in.
Visit Cafe Con Libros at 724 Prospect Pl, Brooklyn, NY.wp_*posts
The Lit. Bar – New York
Located in the Bronx, where it’s the only bookstore currently serving the borough, Afro-Latinx-owned The Lit. Bar is the hangout spot of our dreams. You can simply stop in to pick up some new reads, chill for a while with a coffee or glass of wine, attend organized events and support local authors. The Lit. Bar offers online orders and volume orders as well.
Visit The Lit. Bar at 131 Alexander Avenue, Bronx, NY.wp_*posts
Boogie Down Books – New York
Also based in the Bronx, Boogie Down Books is committed to bringing literature to the community. This children’s bookstore sells books online, at various events, at pop-ups and on consignment at various locations. It also organizes a number of events to help involve and engage the community and spotlight local authors. They also offer an educator rewards program and incentives for families.
Visit Boogie Down Books at BoogieDownBooks.com.wp_*posts
Mija Books – Online
Mija Books is a wonderful Black, Latinx and woman-owned online children’s bookstore. They primarily offer picture books and board books, many of which are geared toward people of color and written and/or illustrated by people of color. Mija Books also hosts a YouTube storytime and can make customized recommendations for all of your children’s book needs.
Visit Mija Books at MijaBooks.com.wp_*posts
Epilogue Books – North Carolina
Epilogue Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is another Latinx bookstore and cafe hybrid. In addition to offering a wide selection of books, it strives to provide a “communal experience”, where patrons can enjoy a good book, great company and delicious treats including wine, beer, coffee, churros and more, most of which is sourced locally.
Visit Epilogue Books at 109 E Franklin St #100, Chapel Hill, NC.wp_*posts
Duende District Bookstore – Washington D.C. and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Duende District Bookstore is a pop-up bookshop that operates in Washington D.C. and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The intention is to explicitly create their pop-ups “for and by people of color,” although of course, all are welcome. They feature the newest in adult literature and children’s literature, as well as books in both English and Spanish.
Visit Duende District Bookstore at DuendeDistrict.com.wp_*posts
The Drama Book Shop – New York
New York’s The Drama Book Shop is an institution in the theatre world. Broadway powerhouse Lin-Manuel Miranda became part-owner of the store in 2020. It’s actually a recipient of the Tony Award Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, which is explicitly intended for organizations and individuals that have made contributions to the theatre community, but are not eligible for any other Tony Award categories.
Visit The Drama Book Shop at 266 W. 39th Street, New York, NY.wp_*posts
Third House Books – Florida
Third House Books is located in Gainesville, Florida, and owned and run by a Cuban-American woman. Although they are currently accommodating online orders only, they do have a bricks-and-mortar store that they plan to re-open at some point. They specialize in books from small publishing houses and authors from marginalized communities, including many Latinx and BIPOC writers.
Visit Third House Books at ThirdHouseBooks.com or 400 Northwest 10th Avenue, Gainesville, FL (upon re-opening)wp_*posts
Other Books – Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights neighborhood, Other Books offers a wide range of reading material including fiction and non-fiction, out-of-print books, art books, zines, comics and more. They even sell Spanish-language books. Currently, they are also selling vintage wares from East LA Nostalgia in-store.
Visit Other Books at 2006 E Cesar E Chavez Avenue Los Angeles, CA.
