Books + Cultura: 15 Latino-Owned Bookstores to Support This Holiday Season
The holiday season is here, making it the perfect time to reflect on the importance of supporting small businesses. As a Black Latine mother, author, and community activist, I prioritize shopping at Latino/a/e/x-owned businesses—especially bookstores. These spaces are more than just places to buy books; they are cultural hubs and community pillars where we can feel seen and learn about our heritage.
Latiné-owned independent bookstores amplify underrepresented voices and preserve our culture and stories. They go beyond selling books—they host events, promote diverse authors, and create safe spaces for people to connect.
This Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season, let’s celebrate these spaces and the passionate entrepreneurs behind them. From their carefully curated collections to their community programming, these bookstores are shaping the literary landscape and preserving Latiné identity.
In today’s political climate, our communities face countless challenges—from book bans to attacks on DEI initiatives and education funding. Representation in literature is more important than ever. Independent bookstores, with their thoughtful curation, ensure we see ourselves and our culture reflected on the page. They are vital spaces for my family, friends, and me, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite Latino/a/e/x-owned bookstores with Mitú readers.
Here are 15 incredible Latino/a/e/x-owned independent bookstores to support this holiday season and beyond. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or discovering your next great read, these businesses have something special to offer.
Word Up Books – Washington Heights, NY
Word Up is a community-first gem in Washington Heights. More than just a bookstore, it’s a sanctuary for book lovers, run by a collective of over 60 neighborhood residents. Since its founding in 2011, about 1,000 neighbors have volunteered to help operate it.
“We practice horizontal leadership, seeking consensus as much as possible while weighting decision-making power to those who will execute the work,” their website explains.
I’ve worked with Word Up several times, and every event has been incredible. It always feels like coming home—a safe space where I enjoy spending time alone or with family and friends.
Address: 2113 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10032
Website: wordupbooks.com
The Lit Bar – The Bronx, NY
The Lit Bar is the only brick-and-mortar bookstore in The Bronx. It’s a vibe, offering a stellar book selection for all ages, tasty wine, and great music. Whether you’re meeting friends or working on your latest writing project, it’s the perfect hangout.
Celebrities like Eve, Taraji P. Henson, and Jada Pinkett Smith have hosted events here, so don’t forget to subscribe to their newsletter for updates on their dope programming.
Address: 131 Alexander Ave, Bronx, NY 10454
Website: thelitbar.com
The World’s Borough Bookshop – Jackson Heights, NY
Similarly, the only Ecuadorian-owned bookstore in NYC, The World’s Borough Bookshop prioritizes community and collaboration. They host outdoor pop-up markets with diverse vendors, author events, and children’s storytimes, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Address: 3406 73rd St, Queens, NY 11372
Website: theworldsboroughbookshop.com
Café Con Libros – Brooklyn, NY
Another bookstore owned by a Black Latina, Café Con Libros is a cozy space in a gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood. Stop by for a cup of coffee and a great book. They carry adult and children’s titles and regularly host amazing author events. Sign up for their newsletter to stay updated.
Address: 724 Prospect Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Website: cafeconlibrosbk.com
Julia de Burgos Bookstore – Philadelphia, PA
Located within Taller PR, a nonprofit cultural organization known as El Corazón Cultural del Barrio, Julia de Burgos Bookstore supports its community through art and literature. Their curated selection includes books for all ages, and their events are outstanding. The bookstore manager, Lisa, is a joy to work with and deeply committed to Latiné literature.
Address: 2600 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19133
Website: shoptallerpr.org
Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural – Sylmar, CA
Similarly, Tía Chucha’s is a vibrant cultural center and bookstore that transforms its community through art, literacy, and ancestral knowledge. As the only independent bookstore in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, Tía Chucha’s carries books that reflect native culture, history, and aspirations for healing.
They host dozens of events every month, including author talks, open mic nights, live music performances, screen-printing workshops, and even prom nights! Their book club and youth-focused programs consistently receive praise for fostering creativity and learning.
Address: 12677 Glenoaks Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342
Website: tiachucha.org
Casita Bookstore – Long Beach, CA
Casita Bookstore is a warm and inclusive space where the community can connect through the magic of books. They host author events, book fairs, and a monthly Cafecito Club that comes with exclusive book discounts and artisanal coffee roasted by local businesses.
Every visit to Casita feels like stepping into a second home, surrounded by stories that resonate and inspire.
Address: 1440 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802
Website: casitabooks.com
Palabras Bilingual Bookstore – Phoenix, AZ
Palabras is more than just a bookstore—it’s a cultural hub for BIPOC communities. Their diverse collection centers on books by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices, while their art gallery and mutual aid garden create spaces for healing and creative expression.
Their workshops, author events, and open mics make Palabras a cornerstone of Phoenix’s creative community.
Address: 906 W Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Website: palabrasbookstore.com
Duende District – Multiple Locations
Duende District is a collaborative bookstore designed by and for people of color. Their pop-ups and community events focus on showcasing diverse voices and empowering local communities.
Angela, the founder, is a social justice advocate with a sharp eye for curating books that inspire and educate. From Albuquerque to Brooklyn, Duende’s unique model is transforming the bookstore landscape.
Locations: Albuquerque, NM; Washington, DC; Brooklyn, NY
Website: duendedistrict.com
Más Libritos Bookstore – Springdale, AR
Más Libritos is Arkansas’ only Latina-owned bookstore and a testament to the power of intersectional storytelling. They collaborate with local organizations to host community events and author talks, making literature accessible and meaningful to everyone.
Their curated collection celebrates BIPOC voices and intersectional feminism, ensuring every story feels heard.
Address: Pop-up in Springdale, AR
Website: mas-libritos-bookstore.square.site
Los Amigos Bookstore – Chicago, IL
Los Amigos Bookstore makes bilingual children’s literature accessible to families raising bilingual kids in the U.S. They believe in the power of representation, ensuring every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
My author friends rave about this store’s cozy atmosphere and amazing events. I can’t wait to visit in person.
Address: 2207 N Western Ave, Unit C2, Chicago, IL 60647
Website: losamigosbooks.com
Third House Books – Gainesville, FL
Third House Books thrives in a state fighting book bans targeting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors. Founded by Heather Halak, this Cuban-American-owned bookstore creates space for discovery and serendipity, avoiding the overwhelming feel of large chain stores.
Their events, like pop-ups and diverse title showcases, make Third House a beacon of inclusivity in Florida.
Address: Pop-ups and events in Gainesville, FL
Website: thirdhousebooks.indielite.org
MiJa Books – California
MiJa Books is a family-owned, Black and Latiné-run pop-up bookstore amplifying stories by BIPOC creators. Their book fairs, which outshine those of big chains like Scholastic, highlight multicultural and multilingual children’s books.
They’re a fantastic resource for schools and families looking to diversify their bookshelves.
Address: Pop-ups in California
Website: mijabooks.com
Red Salmon Arts – Austin, TX
Red Salmon Arts goes beyond the traditional bookstore model by offering workshops, a community garden, and cultural programming that includes pow wows and nixtamalization classes.
They focus on Chicana/o/x, Latina/o/x, and Native American literature while promoting social justice through cultural exchange.
Address: 2000 Thrasher Ln, Austin, TX 78741
Website: resistenciabooks.com
Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews – Chapel Hill, NC
Epilogue is more than a bookstore—it’s a welcoming community space where you can enjoy craft brews, churros, and chocolate while exploring phenomenal book curation.
Their Queer Book Club, trivia nights, and Nerd Nights bring people together to celebrate diverse voices in literature.
Address: 109 E Franklin St, Suite 100, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Website: epiloguebookcafe.com
Support Bookstores Online
If you can’t visit these bookstores in person, you can support them through Bookshop.org or Libro.fm, which financially aid independent bookstores.
What is Bookshop?
Bookshop.org works to connect readers with independent booksellers all over the world.
We believe local bookstores are essential community hubs that foster culture, curiosity, and a love of reading, and we’re committed to helping them thrive. Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores. Our platform gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in local communities.
What is Libro.fm?
Libro.fm encourages more people to read while supporting local, independent bookstores. Ditch audiobooks, which is owned by Amazon, and make the switch to Libro.fm. They are an employee-owned Social Purpose Corporation that shares profits from your audiobook purchases with your chosen bookstore, giving you the power to keep money within your local economy. Today, Libro.fm partners with more than 3,000 bookstores around the world to sell audiobooks and has members in 90 countries and counting.
Did you like this list and want more?
Check out this beautiful map created by the nonprofit The Word, A Storytelling Sanctuary that highlights bookstores owned and managed by Latiné, Black, Asian, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, immigrant, disabled, and neurodiverse booksellers. You can look up bookstores by who owns and operates them or by region.
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning storyteller. Her ability to weave compelling stories has opened many doors for her as an author and speaker. She is a community organizer and mother of three (a singleton and twins).
During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, with her family. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love, Los Plátanos Son Amor, The Bronx Is My Home, Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book, and Gloriana Presente: De la República Dominicana al Bronx. She hopes you enjoy her stories. You can learn more about her at alyssaauthor.com
