Columbus part of Black-owned bookstore boom
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Rooted Books will begin as a pop-up store on the Near East Side. Photo: Courtesy of Megan Turner
Megan Turner believes "there's a right book out there for everyone" — she's soon opening a local bookstore to help people find it.
Why it matters: Rooted Books joins a growing number of Black-owned bookstores nationwide.
- These stores are increasing representation and expanding access to titles by diverse authors who increasingly face bans in public schools and libraries.
The big picture: Just 54 Black-owned bookstores were identified across the U.S. a decade ago.
- There are over 300 today, representing about 8% of all independent bookstores, according to the first State of the Black Bookstore report released this year.
- Facing a tough economy, many are evolving beyond traditional retail and leaning on community partnerships.
Case in point: Rooted Books will begin as a pop-up store, with its first event Saturday at Bottoms Up Coffee on the Near East Side.
- Turner wants to help people of all ages "expand their worldview" with books reflecting diverse cultures, abilities and lived experiences, she tells Axios.
- Next week, she'll join a panel for the first National Black Bookstore Day.
Flashback: A former social studies teacher, Turner always offered a classroom library. She found joy helping students connect with stories, "even if they felt like a non-reader" at first.
- She eventually felt called to recreate that experience on a larger scale.
- The name Rooted Books is a nod to Turner's mother and grandmother, also avid readers. It also reflects being rooted in the community.
Zoom in: There are four other Black-owned bookstores in Columbus on the official directory, including three longtime staples.
The others:
- Zawadi Books, 2017 Maryland Ave.
- Ujamaa Bookstore, 1493 E. Livingston Ave.
- Black Art Plus, 43 Parsons Ave.
- Tastes & Tomes, online and pop-up events.
What she's saying: "It's not competitive, it's supportive," Turner says. "It's a community seeking to uplift one another, and it's wonderful to join and be a part of that."
The bottom line: Turner wants "people to be able to see themselves in their literature."
Visit the pop-up shop: 9am-2pm Saturday, 350 Mount Vernon Ave., or shop online.