Black-Owned Bookstores Thrive: Rooted Books Opens in Columbus
Columbus Part of Black-Owned Bookstore Boom Megan Turner is preparing to open a new bookstore, Rooted Books , on the Near East Side of Columbus. Her belief that “there's a right book out there for everyone” drives her mission to help readers di...
Black News 
Columbus Part of Black-Owned Bookstore Boom
Megan Turner is preparing to open a new bookstore, Rooted Books, on the Near East Side of Columbus. Her belief that “there's a right book out there for everyone” drives her mission to help readers discover stories that resonate with them.
Why It Matters
Rooted Books is joining a growing wave of Black-owned bookstores nationwide. These spaces play a critical role in increasing representation and access to diverse authors, especially at a time when books are facing heightened scrutiny and bans in schools and libraries.
The Big Picture
A decade ago, there were only 54 Black-owned bookstores in the United States. Today, there are more than 300, representing approximately 8% of all independent bookstores.
This growth is highlighted in the State of the Black Bookstore Report. Despite economic challenges, these businesses continue to thrive through strong community partnerships and innovative approaches.
Case in Point
Rooted Books will begin as a pop-up experience, with its inaugural event taking place at Bottoms Up Coffee this Saturday.
Turner’s goal is to expand readers’ perspectives by offering books that highlight diverse cultures and lived experiences. She is also preparing to participate in National Black Bookstore Day next week.
Flashback
A former social studies teacher, Turner built a classroom library to help students discover a love of reading. She now aims to recreate that experience on a broader scale through Rooted Books.
The store’s name honors her mother and grandmother, both passionate readers who inspired her lifelong connection to books.
Zoom In
Columbus is home to several other Black-owned bookstores listed in the official directory, including:
- Zawadi Books, 2017 Maryland Ave.
- Ujamaa Bookstore, 1493 E. Livingston Ave.
- Black Art Plus, 43 Parsons Ave.
- Tastes & Tomes, online and at pop-up events
What She’s Saying
“It's not competitive, it's supportive,” Turner said about the Black-owned bookstore community. “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 hopes Rooted Books will help readers see themselves reflected in the stories they choose.
Visit the Pop-Up Shop
You can visit the pop-up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at 350 Mount Vernon Ave. or shop online.
