Indie Bookstores Celebrate Black History Month [4]

This year, booksellers took to social media to celebrate diverse voices during Black History Month. From book recommendations to in-store displays, here are some ways booksellers are getting involved:

MahoganyBooks sign that reads "Black Books Matter"

MahoganyBooks [6] in Washington, D.C., posted to Instagram [7]: “Why not kick-off the dopest month of the entire year with a little shine to add to your space? Whether you’re at home or want to rock your support of Black books in your office, or in the living room, this is a declaration every single one of us to hold space for writers often overlooked. For books not considered ‘mainstream’ enough, and for voices who have the power to transform and enlighten. For us, Black Books not only matter, they are indeed very necessary. This triumphant, handmade pennant is for any and everyone who knows the value of reading phenomenal works.”

Staff at Semicolon Bookstore

Semicolon [8] in Chicago, Illinois, posted to Instagram [9]: “Happy Black History Month, y’all!⁣ Your favorite booksellers have worked hard to step our representation game up for the next month, and we’ll be making a point to see and be seen via a myriad of partnerships in the city and beyond.”

The Gilded Ones Book

The Last Bookstore [10] in Los Angeles, California, recommended a book on Instagram [10]: “Never judge a book by its cover unless it looks like this. If you’re looking for a hot new escape we highly recommend this fantastical debut novel by @namina.forna [11].”

Avid Reader Mug that reads Black Lives Matter

Avid Reader [12] in Davis, California, posted to Instagram [13]: ““In love with these new mugs!”

Display at Bookish

Bookish [14] in Atlanta, Georgia, posted to Instagram [15]: “Check out this little section of our Black History/Black is Beautiful/Black Excellence table!”

Books & Books display

Books & Books [16], with locations in Florida, posted to Instagram [17]: “Bring your little readers to the bookstore to check out our #BlackHistoryMonth [18] display in our kids' room! We have books for all reading levels, so you can use story time as a way to inspire discussion and learning.”

Black History Month Display at RJ Julia

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore [19] in Middletown, Connecticut, posted to Instagram [20]: “Black history IS our history. What books are you reading to celebrate Black History Month?”

Where the Side Walk Ends display

Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore [21] in Chatham, Massachusetts, posted to Instagram [22]: “February is Black History Month! Come visit us to browse our wonderful selection of non-fiction titles, as well as featured fiction and children's books by Black authors.”

Liberty Bay Books image of Amanda Gorman

Liberty Bay Books [23] in Poulsbo, Washington, posted to Instagram [24]: “We were so moved by @amandascgorman [25]’s poem. Look at this beautiful art on our chalkboard created by @isabelleranson [26] and new bookseller, Dani! Don’t forget to preorder The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman - out in March!”