We love our local bookstores, and are excited for the Bronx to have one of its own. The Bronx was left with a bookstore void when Barnes and Noble closed its doors in 2016. Luckily Bronx native Noelle Santos has been on a mission to open an independent bookstore that reflects her community. The Lit.Bar will be more than just a place to buy books; it will be a place to build community, with access to events and a wine bar.
The Bronx is home to about 1.4 million people, yet it doesn’t have a bookstore. For years Barnes and Noble was the place for Bronx residents to buy books. And even that one store was inaccessible to most of the residents. Plans for the Lit.Bar will make the bookstore accessible by public transportation. It will also have programming that engages and speaks to the local population. Santos’ goal is to create an environment where people don’t feel forgotten. This is exciting considering that approximately half of the people living in the Bronx are people of color and speak languages other than English at home. We think it’s important for people to see themselves reflected in popular culture.
Santos signed the lease for a location in Mott Haven earlier this month. We wish Lit Bar great success, and are excited to follow its progress!
