Shop local with these independent API-owned bookstores
Discover authors, artists, and makers and engage with the API community by visiting these independent shops
Bel Canto Books's second location in KUBO LB, a Filipinx-led community space in Long Beach, California.
Nannette Ricaforte
Words by Aleenah Ansari
Whether you’re at home or visiting a new city, independent bookstores are a way to discover local authors, artists, and makers. You can even find shops that focus on stories by and about specific communities—including the API diaspora. Here are a handful of API-owned bookstores from across the United States you can check out that not only highlight the community, but also build community through workshops and events. Whether you visit for an author talk or are just looking for your next read, there’s something for everyone.
Mam’s Books (Seattle)
Mam’s Books in Seattle is the only independent Asian American bookstore in the Pacific Northwest.
Courtesy of Mam’s Books
Located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, Mam’s Books is the only independent Asian American bookstore in the Pacific Northwest. It was opened by owner and Cambodian American Sokha Danh as a labor of love, and a space for voices and perspectives from APIs, as well as to build community. The shop focuses on books and events that spotlight API authors, and hosts everything from author readings and signings, to book clubs. In keeping with their goal of being a community living room, there is a seating area, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks in case you want to stay and read for a while.
Yu & Me Books (Manhattan, New York)
Located in the heart of New York’s Chinatown, Yu & Me Books is the first Asian woman-owned bookstore in New York. Shop owner Lucy Yu wanted to create a bookstore that highlighted diverse representation in the literary space, so they focus on stories written by immigrants and BIPOC authors—including titles from major and indie publishers—with a side of coffee and drinks. In addition, they host author meet and greets, listening parties, open mics, and more. You can also join their book club, whose members read stories written by BIPOC authors.
On Waverly (San Francisco)
On Waverly in San Francisco's Chinatown is a hub for AA+PI writers and creatives.
Courtesy of On Waverly
On Waverly in San Francisco highlights API authors, artists, and creatives at their Chinatown shop. They stock books, cookbooks, graphic novels, and zines from API authors and even have them in for book talks, storytime events for kids, and workshops. The shop also sells stationery, apparel, and home goods that highlight San Francisco landmarks, as well as Asian eats and cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year. They also have a selection of cards with puns and other fun sayings such as, “You’re all that and dim sum,” and “I have some fruits for you, I love you.”
Maomi Bookstore (Chamblee, Georgia)
Maomi Bookstore is a Chinese bookstore and cafe in Chamblee, Georgia, and one of the few of its kind in the South. The current owner Yvonne Hou took over the space when the previous bookshop was on the verge of closing, to bridge cultures and generations. The store has a whole section that highlights East Asian tea and teaware, as well as cookbooks, children’s books, and English-language fiction novels that have been translated into other languages such as Mandarin and Japanese. The space is used to host free workshops and events including a Taiwanese tea tasting during which participants can learn more about tea culture while trying accompanying teas. They also host introductory calligraphy workshops with a focus on character strokes and techniques.
Bel Canto Books (Long Beach, California)
Bel Canto Books is an independent bookstore founded by Filipina American poet Jhoanna Belfer.
Nannette Ricaforte
Founded by Filipina American poet Jhoanna Belfer, Bel Canto is an independent bookstore that offers a selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. In addition to their standalone bookstore, they also have a bookstore location inside the Filipinx-led community space KUBO LB. You can also join their free monthly book clubs, as well as attend in-person and virtual author events and meet-ups.
Femme Fire Books (Jacksonville, Florida)
Femme Fire Books in Jacksonville, Florida is an Asian-owned bookstore committed to highlighting BIPOC authors. The owner Vanessa Nicolle wanted to celebrate underrepresented writers in the publishing industry, which is why the bookstore highlights BIPOC authors through book clubs and author chats. The space also hosts a Stitch and B!tch event during which attendees can come to craft or work on a project in progress, and be in community with others. Stop by and check out their poetry vending machine, which has both poems and book recommendations you can keep as a memento.
Published on January 7, 2025
Words by Aleenah Ansari
Aleenah Ansari (she/her) is equal parts storyteller, creative problem solver, and journalist at heart who's rooted in the stories of people behind products, companies, and initiatives. She’s written about travel, entrepreneurship, mental health and wellness, and representation in media for Insider, CNBC, The Seattle Times, Kulfi, and more. You can usually find her searching for murals in Seattle and beyond, reading a book by a BIPOC author, and planning her next trip to New York. Learn more at www.aleenahansari.com.