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    Unique Bookstores, Businesses, Websites that Cater to Bookish, Diverse Audiences 

    Love Your Bookshop Day, August 14, 2026, is a perfect time to support local bookshops and establishments. Patrons can buy books or spread the word to fellow book lovers about where to find diverse literature. Some independent bookstores cater to diverse books while others are Black-owned or provide an open door to self-published authors. Additionally, diverse books can be harder to find in traditional bookstores since there are less “African American fiction” or “Black authors” sections that once existed. Independent bookstores and book-connected businesses and nonprofits often serve as valuable community hubs.

    Resources to Remember

    According to The National Association of Black Bookstores https://www.nab2.org/directory, the 501(c)(3) is a membership-based organization dedicated to promoting literacy, amplifying Black voices and preserving Black culture. It was founded on Juneteenth in 2025. NAB2 reportedly represents brick-and-mortar locations; booksellers with mobile/online outlets; book clubs; book fairs; museum; bookstores; cafés/restaurants; publishers; distributors; individuals (including authors) and more. The website can be used for a resource to locate bookstores in the National Association of Black Bookstore's directory (https://www.nab2.org/directory). The Black Bookstore Coalition (https://www.blackbookstorecoalition.com) is another online resource. 

    If you are taking a trip, you can use their directories or similar ones to locate independent bookstores around the country. You may find a new gem away from home, from the East Coast to the West. Help expand these resource lists by adding to directories if you would like to better support local and independent entrepreneurs, in addition to your community.

     

    Local Bookshops and Unique Bookish Businesses 

    Baltimore Read Aloud

    Baltimore City-based Baltimore Read Aloud promotes the joy of books by selling diverse children's and young adult literature. Read Aloud offers an online bookstore and community for educators, librarians, and families interested in discovering diverse children's books. Additionally, Baltimore Read Aloud offers what is described as “Baltimore’s first mobile bookshop.” The Read Aloud will reportedly travel to any county in Maryland. Visit https://www.baltimorereadaloud.shop/welcome to obtain details.



    Busboys and Poets

    If you enjoy a combination of books, food and events, consider taking a trip to Busboys and Poets (https://www.busboysandpoets.com/locations) to experience a unique outing. Andy Shall founded Busboys and Poets in Washington, D.C. It is described as “a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted… a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul… a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide.”

    Busboys and Poets integrates social change into their business model. Locations include 14th and V; 450K; Brookland; Takoma; Anacostia in D.C.; Hyattsville, Maryland; Columbia, Maryland; and Shirlington, Virginia. An in-house series of events are available via https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events-list/in-house-series

     

    Everyone's Place African Cultural Center

    Everyone's Place African Cultural Center, a Black-owned bookstore within Baltimore, supports “knowledge of self from pre-K to PhD and beyond." The business sells books and a lot more including CDs, health food products, spiritual products, clothing, jewelry, art, and fragrance. See https://www.facebook.com/everyonesplacebookstore  for details.

     

    Kindred Bookshop

    According to Kindred Bookshop’s website (https://www.kindredbook.shop/pages/about-us), the visionary digital bookshop and marketplace represent the spirit of Black feminism. BIPOC voices, both in literature and the arts are celebrated and promoted. Kindred’s online bookshop is reportedly Raleigh, NC and Lanham, Maryland-based.

     

    Mahogany Books

    Mahogany Books, located at National Harbor Prince George’s County, Maryland promotes reading, writing, and cultural awareness as tools, according to the website. The Black-owned, family-run and operated, local independent bookstore in Oxon Hill believes in social entrepreneurship. Visit https://www.mahoganybooks.com to learn more about Mahogany Books, the online bookstore, or events such as their Black Books Matter Fest (https://www.mahoganybooks.com/black-books-matter-fest-2026).




    The Book Thing of Baltimore 

    The Book Thing revamped the volunteer-run used bookstore where all books are absolutely free. Consult https://bookthing.org  to check for dates when the bookstore is open one day per month. Books are stamped ”Not for Resale.” Although visitors can take up to 150,000 books per day, per person, contact The Book Thing in advance to coordinate large orders. The Book Thing of Baltimore accepts book donations (https://bookthing.org/donate).



    Urban Reads Bookstore

    Urban Reads Bookstore, located in Baltimore, Maryland is described as a “New Community Urban Bookstore for black authors and prison authors.” Prison shipping is available. Visit https://www.urbanreadsbookstore.com  to learn about the bookstore, URB Youth Summit and other signature events.

     

    Vision Christian Store

    Vision Christian Store, located in Clinton, Maryland, sells books, Bibles, gifts , DVDs and more while to “glorify the Kingdom of God.” Learn more about the store via https://www.visionchristianstore.net.

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