Books + Cultura: 15 Latino-Owned Bookstores to Support This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, making it the perfect time to reflect on the importance of supporting small businesses. As a Black Latine mother, author, and community activist, I prioritize shopping at Latino/a/e/x-owned businesses—especially bookstores. These spaces are more than just places to buy books; they are cultural hubs and community pillars where we can feel seen and learn about our heritage.

Latiné-owned independent bookstores amplify underrepresented voices and preserve our culture and stories. They go beyond selling books—they host events, promote diverse authors, and create safe spaces for people to connect.

This Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season, let’s celebrate these spaces and the passionate entrepreneurs behind them. From their carefully curated collections to their community programming, these bookstores are shaping the literary landscape and preserving Latiné identity.

In today’s political climate, our communities face countless challenges—from book bans to attacks on DEI initiatives and education funding. Representation in literature is more important than ever. Independent bookstores, with their thoughtful curation, ensure we see ourselves and our culture reflected on the page. They are vital spaces for my family, friends, and me, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite Latino/a/e/x-owned bookstores with Mitú readers.

Here are 15 incredible Latino/a/e/x-owned independent bookstores to support this holiday season and beyond. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or discovering your next great read, these businesses have something special to offer.

Here is the link to the article I wrote for @fiercebymitu celebrating independent bookstores here: https://lnkd.in/gbaCR66Y