Why was your bookstore founded/what role does it play in the community?

Black Garnet Books was created by Saint Paul community member Dionne Sims during the Summer of 2020 in direct response to state violence, as well as the purposeful and unconscious exclusion of Black people from the literature community. 
Black Garnet Books exists to address racial inequality within the publishing and literary industries, both nationally and within the state of Minnesota. In an effort to do so, we’ve curated our shelves to focus on literature by authors and illustrators of color, ensuring that any purchase made at our store directly supports the continued telling of our stories.

Our books and merchandise are sold at fair prices that honor the craft and energy required to create art and sustain our community and industry.

What are the 3 adjectives you would use to describe your bookstore?

Actively anti-racist, inclusive, and cozy!

What is something that no one knows about your bookstore?

We have lots of seating available for folks to relax, read, and work-from-home. We also have coffee and tea available free of charge.