Current:Home > NewsInside Black Walnut Books, a charming store focusing on BIPOC and queer authors -Apex Profit Path
Inside Black Walnut Books, a charming store focusing on BIPOC and queer authors
View
Date:2025-04-16 19:35:16
Local independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.
This week we have Hillary Smith, owner of Black Walnut Books in Glen Falls, New York!
What’s your store’s story?
Black Walnut Books is a Native and queer owned bookstore that focuses on Indigenous, BIPOC and queer authors. Started in 2021 as a bookstagram account by Hillary, owner and longtime bookseller, it became an online and pop-up bookstore in 2022. In March 2023 the brick-and-mortar store in the historic Shirt Factory opened and in March of 2024 Little Black Walnut Books, a children's bookstore, opened down the hall. The store is small, bright, colorful and full of plants.
Check out: USA TODAY's Independent Bookstores Map
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
The focus on Indigenous, BIPOC and queer authors and artists is unique in general, and a breath of fresh air for marginalized communities in the Adirondack region. Black Walnut Books hosts queer mixers, book events and seven public book clubs in addition to having book of the month subscription boxes that go with the Indigenous and queer book clubs. It's a safe, welcoming space for BIPOC and queer people and a place for folks who are not BIPOC or queer to learn about different folks in those communities.
What's your favorite section in your store?
My favorite part of the store is how we organize the books. They are separated by bay into nonfiction, poetry and collections, fiction, young adult and kids like a "normal" bookstore. Uniquely, the first shelf going across all of those sections is all books by Indigenous authors, the second shelf is BIPOC authors and the third shelf is queer authors. There is some overlap, but this system allows the books to be highlighted and discovered in a way that I love. You can visually see just how many incredible Indigenous books there are out there, without having to hunt through all of the sections individually.
What books do you love to recommend to customers and why?
I love recommending the anthology "Never Whistle at Night" because it features so many incredible Indigenous authors and is a great way to discover a new author. The stories are spooky enough to satisfy horror readers, but not scary enough that a non-horror reader wouldn't enjoy it too.
What book do you think deserves more attention and why?
"Butter Honey Pig Bread" by Francesca Ekwuyasi is an incredibly good novel! When I read it, I was sad I hadn't gotten to it earlier. The storytelling is gorgeous and the characters are so relatable. It's a family story that I feel like everyone would love.
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
I have been a bookseller since 2009 and I firmly believe that an indie bookstore is the heart of a community. It is a vital third space for so many people. Shopping at indie bookstores keeps them alive, so that they can in turn support and nourish the communities that they are a part of.
What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?
The Indigenous and Lit Book Club meets the third Sunday of each month to discuss a contemporary Indigenous author. Previous discussions included "Godly Heathens" by H.E. Edgmon, "To Shape a Dragon's Breath" by Moniquill Blackgoose, "An Ordinary Violence" by Adriana Chartrand and "Wandering Stars" by Tommy Orange.
veryGood! (91892)
Related
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Record numbers in the US are homeless. Can cities fine them for sleeping in parks and on sidewalks?
- South Dakota man sentenced to nearly 90 years in prison for his baby son’s 2021 death
- Morgan Wallen Breaks Silence on Arrest Over Alleged Chair-Throwing Incident
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Lama Rod describes himself as a Black Buddhist Southern Queen. He wants to free you from suffering.
- Nikola Jokic leads NBA champ Denver Nuggets past LeBron James and Lakers 114-103 in playoff opener
- They bought Florida party destination 'Beer Can Island' for $63k, now it's selling for $14M: See photos
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Get Your Activewear Essentials for Less at Kohl’s, Including Sales on Nike, Adidas, Champions & More
Ranking
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Trump campaign, RNC aim to deploy 100,000 volunteer vote-counting monitors for presidential election
- What is a cicada? What to know about the loud insects set to take over parts of the US
- A rabbi serving 30 years to life in his wife’s contract killing has died, prison officials say
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Man City beats Chelsea with late Silva goal to make FA Cup final while Arsenal tops EPL
- Councilwoman chosen as new Fort Wayne mayor, its 1st Black leader, in caucus to replace late mayor
- They bought Florida party destination 'Beer Can Island' for $63k, now it's selling for $14M: See photos
Recommendation
'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
Man City beats Chelsea with late Silva goal to make FA Cup final while Arsenal tops EPL
Halloweentown Costars Kimberly J. Brown and Daniel Kountz Are Married
2 teens charged in death of New York City woman whose body was found in duffel bag
Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
Councilwoman chosen as new Fort Wayne mayor, its 1st Black leader, in caucus to replace late mayor
West Virginia will not face $465M COVID education funds clawback after feds OK waiver, governor says
The drug war devastated Black and other minority communities. Is marijuana legalization helping?