We also noticed numerous books from people in our network including our sister @tiffanymjewell This filled our cup. read more

Black English Bookstore was such a delightful find! The atmosphere is intimate, cozy, and welcoming from the moment you walk in. I loved that it's a Black-owned bookstore with a wide variety of genres to explore, plus dedicated sections for kids and young adults. The artwork, décor, and overall layout make the space feel warm and inviting. Definitely stop by and check them out if you're ever in the area! read more

Black English Bookstore - Interior of store - Bookstores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Lovely bookstore in the heart of Tampa. Large array of books by black authors, poets and playwrights. Very friendly sales associate and value was excellent! read more

Black English Bookstore - Storefront - Bookstores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Attended a book talk here and honestly wanted to purchase everything in the store. This place has such a great selection! Definitely stop by and shop local for your next read. read more

Had the pleasure of meeting the owner here before she passed away. I've seen this bookstore circulating on IG & I'm glad I finally went to visit. Finding out that it was black owned was a plus. It was so cute inside and there were plenty of awesome options to choose from. The owner & I bonded over both attending an HBCU. I even got a couple of free bookmarks. I usually get all my books from the public library but I will definitely keep supporting now that her daughter is keeping the store going! The books are typical prices like you'd find at any other bookstore like Barnes & Noble. I'd rather support local! read more

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Best bookstore I've ever visited to this date. Black English Bookstore has something for everyone. Excellent service by Ariel and awesome selection accompanied by value. I hope you stop by! read more

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I attended an event hosted at Black English Bookstore in Tampa, and it was such a great experience. It's a cozy, welcoming spot with beautiful artwork and plenty of comfortable seating. A nice place to connect! read more

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Had the opportunity to attend an event by Tampa Bay Abortions Fund at the bookstore who hosted author Renee Bracey to speak on her book "Liberating Abortions." The place itself was small, cozy and colorful. Bright artwork displayed throughout the area with shelves and tables full of books written by black authors and poets. Great place to support and get quick access to an array of amazing titles. The staff were friendly and inviting. read more

Black English Bookstore - Artwork - Bookstores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I finally made it to the Black English Bookstore in Tampa Heights, and I'm so glad I did! This bookstore has been on my list for over a year, and now that I know how close it is, I'll definitely be back again and again. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed into a space that felt both cozy and inspiring. The warm, inviting atmosphere is matched by the beautifully curated selection of books by Black authors--from romance to fantasy, self-help to cookbooks. The thoughtful details throughout the store, like genre labels made with Scrabble letters and stunning mural art featuring powerful images, make it a book lover's dream. The associate was incredibly helpful, taking the time to understand my interests and recommend books that I would enjoy. I also loved that they gave a shout-out to Steamy Lit Bookstore, another local store that I've been meaning to visit--small businesses supporting each other is always amazing to see! The store was spotless, smelled incredible (seriously, I had to ask about the fragrance!), and even had small sitting areas where you could relax with a book. Parking was super convenient, with a small lot right behind the building. I picked up two books today, and I can't wait to dive into them and return for my next great read. If you love books, this will definitely be your new favorite spot! read more

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Came here yesterday and it was such a cute place! I loved the huge selection for all ages and genres. I will definitely be coming back next time I'm in town. read more

The service was top tier ! Loved the amount of selection that was there l, and the price was about the same as everywhere else. I loved the set up and feel of the store from the moment you walked in! read more

I've been meaning to check this place out for forever! Finally had the pleasure of visiting for an author event and was so happy I did. Beautiful store with beautiful selection. There was plenty of parking in the back and some un the front. read more

Love the vibe of this bookstore. The owner is so friendlyyy. I definitely will be getting books by black authors here instead of Barnes & Nobles or Amazon. read more

I love this bookstore. So many options and such an amazing vibe. It's so hard to leave with just one book.

A wonderfully well curated book store that feel like a couple of community hub! Owner (and Tampa City Councilwoman) Gwen Henderson,Owner Gwen has created a warm welcoming atmosphere and the book selection is fabulous. Situated on a corner in historic Tampa Heights, this Black women-owned store is a cozy and welcoming community spot that you MUST visit when visiting Tampa read more

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The vibe was immaculate. The selection was diverse. The prices were reasonable. And the owner, Ms. Gwen, was such a gem; very sweet and helpful! I will definitely be back again and again! (Free street parking and wasn't crowded at all on a Friday.) read more

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Such a cute space! Such a great selection of thoughtfully curated books. The owner is great! She is so welcoming. I was able to find some great material, including a really cute jigsaw puzzle. It's such a charming space. It's a great space to hold an event. Highly recommend. I had a lovely experience there. I think you will too! read more

Black English Bookstore - Cute space in the bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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When I think of a bookstore, I imagine a place full of wonder. A place that allows me to peruse the latest literature. A place that introduces me to new books. You get all of these things at this bookstore. You also get owners who are passionate about their craft. You get a comfy couch to decide which of the 5 you are going to get. (I may have a book problem.) This bookstore features local authors, NY Times Best Sellers and crafts you never knew you needed. This bookstore is the perfect gem that makes you feel seen and valued. Something that is often lacking in big box stores. In this bookstore, you walk in as a stranger, you walk out as a friend. read more

Black English Bookstore - Comfy seating - Bookstores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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The store was wonderful, as you opened the door, you had a wonderful feeling. So many beautiful books, meticulously arranged. The service was lovely, the staff engaged with us when we entered and only when we needed them. There was a great mix of hard back books and paperback so allowing for a budget to be maintained. We will defiantly be make another visit to the store so keeping Councilwoman Gwen Henderson's dream alive. RIP read more

We visited Black English Bookstore for their grand opening. Amazing display of art with a plethora of banned books in a variety of genre's. The service and staff were knowledgeable and able to recommend books based on our interests. This bookstore brings value to Tampa and the surrounding areas. read more

Black English Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This book store is amazing. When I saw that a black owned bookstore was opening, I couldn't wait to see what it had to offer. I saw that another reviewer mentioned it's not a bookstore, what I would say that to that is that it's so much more than a bookstore! My mom and I went in on a Sunday after brunch and the owners daughter was there along with someone else. I loved that there were places for you to sit if you wanted to hangout a bit. Not only were their places to sit, but there were so many books. Is it a small bookstore? Yes. But no smaller than any other independent bookstore. I think my mom and I bought about 8-10 books, including a bookend and my mom placed an order for another book. This bookstore is very special and I can't wait to return to see what other kind of books they have read more

Absolutely love this bookstore. Whenever I'm downtown I make my way over. The owners are sweet and upbeat and so very welcoming. I love browsing for a new book here as they always have titles I haven't come across yet. They also have a great little kids sections so I can always get something for my goddaughter. It's a quiet space I really enjoy. read more

Visited when they first opened. The store is an experience. The owner is helpful and friendly. They have books, art and more. The best part is it's Black-owned . It's cozy and quaint. You'll want to sit down and relax while you contemplate your next read. The store is small, but the selection is diverse. There are non-Black periodicals in the store. Prices were what you would expect at an independent bookstore. Def worth a visit! read more

It's been a while but I'm finally back with another edition of Besties, Beverages, & Bookstores! This weekend I was lucky enough to stumble upon a true gem in Tampa called the Black English Bookstore. It was one of the sweetest bookstores I've been in and I honestly could've stayed all day. I loved the murals and the incredible collection she has curated. It was a true chance encounter because the store wasn't officially open that day but the owners friend was there and welcomed me with open arms. I purchased a book and have no doubt I'll be back for another (longer) visit. read more

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I am surprised at how much you charge authors to host a book signing. $75.00 + 3% for square and then a 50/50 split. Ridiculous! Authors are left with little or nothing as books are not that expensive, normally $15-$30 a book. read more

This is not a bookstore. It's a hangout with a few bookcases of books. Wonderful people and I'm glad there's a black literary meeting place in Tampa, but please don't call yourself a bookstore. There's more books in my tiny house than in this place. read more

The world needs more spaces like this. I'm so excited that Tampa finally has a bookstore like the Black English Bookstore . I highly recommend taking the time to be in the space, look around, and continue to support business like this one! read more

This store was really cute. I enjoyed walking around and looking at everything. There were books and art by local artists. There are books for all ages and some of them I'd already bought for younger family members. The owner of the story was informative and offered suggestions for some books. It read more

This Black owned and operated bookstore is amazing. They undoubtedly have a wide selection of Black Authors along with great reads for all ages. The bookstore is welcoming, the staff amazing, and their knowledge of authors and service is invaluable. This store is a diamond and valuable to the community! read more

Such a lovely store with a nice selection of books for all ages. The store is in a nice area where you can make a day of it and visit The Riverwalk and Amature Works once you're done at the store. The owner Ms. Gwen was so delightful and welcoming and even gave a recommendation for lunch nearby. We will be returning to purchase more books. read more

The bookstore is a home away from home . The location creates a warm welcoming ambiance as soon as you walk in! The book selection and gifts are amazing and you are welcome to stay awhile and explore new authors. Great gift select also including handmade local craft items . read more

I love this bookstore. They have a great selection of books of different genres and I know once I go in there I will be able to find a book on my TBR list and one I may not have discovered until walking in and exploring. The space is very welcoming and comfortable and you can't help but to be happy and excited to explore upon walking in. If Gwen is there to help you out you will be met with nothing but joy and kindness and if her daughter is in her place you will be met with the same. Wonderful bookstore with wonderful people. read more

They have a wonderful selection of books, great art, and friendly personable service. They make Tampa a better place.

I've been waiting for a local-owned bookstore - so I was beyond excited when Black English Bookstore opened not far from me! It's so cozy and the book collection offers the largest collection of Black authors I have ever seen in person in all the genres! I especially love the beautifully curated collection of coffee table books! Gwen, the owner, is so welcoming and makes the place feel like a special place! Definitely worth many visits, and you can hang for hours! read more

Black English Bookstore is a welcomed, cozy atmosphere nestled in a comfy mix of residential and commercial space. It's more than a bookstore; it presents an ideal vibe to buy books and engage in stimulating, intellectual conversations around books. The Tampa Bay area was ripe for this type of Bookstore. If you're looking for an intimate, personalized, curated selection of books and trinkets, stop in to check out Black English Bookstore. Also, a conversation with owner, Gwendolyn Henderson, adds flavor, history, and culture to the common act of visiting a bookstore. I thoroughly enjoyed my past visits and look forward to sharing Black English Bookstore with my grandchildren.​ read more

This is a lovely local bookstore with a beautifully curated collection. They are also extremely welcoming.

FABULOUS! My family and I visited while we were vacationing in Tampa. I wish I could bring this bookstore home with me. my daughters absolutely loved looking through the books and choosing some to purchase. They truly enjoyed seeing so many books with people who looked like them. read more