3. Sister’s Uptown Bookstore
Sister’s Uptown Bookstore in Washington Heights is more than just a bookstore. Opened in 2000 by Janifer P. Wilson, the bookstore has since expanded to include the Sister’s Uptown Cultural Center as well. Inside the bookstore, shelves are lined with tomes written by authors from the African diaspora. Wilson writes on the store’s website that the goal of the center is to provide “resources for members of the community to nurture their minds, hearts and souls with present and past works of gifted African American authors and other great authors and intellectuals.” Like many of the other independent bookstores on this list, the shop hosts events like book signings and authors talks.