Love bookstores so when i happen to pass by this one, i always check it out. The place is friendly & welcoming especially the lady by the front desk. Enjoyed browsing the banned book section & the local products they have on display. The place has a neighborhood, community vibe thats friendly & welcoming. read more

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First time at this bookstore but every time I'm in a new city I hit up the black owned bookstore, we got there right as they were cleaning up from a celebration, I believe they said 26 years in business! That is an amazing feat, congratulations to them! The staff was nice, bought a book. read more

Sister's Uptown Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

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Adored this black owned bookstore. Upon walking in, we were greeted by a super sweet and helpful man who gave us a mini tour and was there if we needed anything (5/2). The inside is welcoming, space to browse and sit. Ended up getting a book on racial violence. Hoping to visit again read more

Sister's Uptown Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

What a lovely store! Ms. Wilson, the store owner, was so sweet and charming. The energy she radiated was palpable. She's a reason alone to come and visit this bookstore. Outside of the awesome and welcoming owner, there's also a good selection of books. My personal favorite part of the store was all the African art on sale. I badly wanted the round mask in the picture, but didn't have room in my suitcase for it! Can't wait to visit this gem again. read more

Sister's Uptown Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

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Such an eclectic store! There's books, soaps/shirts/bags/jewelry/etc made by local artists, and events as well. There's also a section for discount books. I came here to find a gift for an artist friend and found the perfect book for his opening night. I looked online out of curiosity and the book is NOT easy to come by. I definitely plan on coming here again. I was given a tour upon walking in and was warmly welcomed. read more

Everyone was so kind and welcoming and they had an amazing selection! Definitely worth checking out if you're in Harlem/hamilton heights

Definitely come check this spot out! This bookstore is so cute and welcoming. Jannifer is the owner of this spot and provides a very approachable vibe. I'm so glad my friends and I came to check this spot out during our Manhattan tip-to-tip city walk! Come support this locally owned black business read more

Sister's Uptown Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

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Delightful service and knowledgeable owner; great conversation with high school student interning for her; good selection; talks and events. Thank you - your store will now be a tradition when I visit my brother who loves nearby. read more

This is a fantastic bookstore and community space, but now it needs everyone's help to survive. It is a small bookstor4e packed with very well curated books, with a staff that is devoted to Sisters and its customers. read more

Janifer has often ordered my novel for you to get it directly from Sisters Uptown Books. BECAUSE she was willing to dedicate the store to some of our writer requests to have a place i n HARLEM to find radical novels! THIS is the novel I wrote, she many times has carried. To Face It By Lupe Family. That way your money stays in the community! Below I am talking about the character in the book Pam. Why? Because I made a video Pat! A Revolutionary Black Molecule and it is Pam from my novle who is based on that real life women of blackness: Pat. https://www.instagram.com/p/C41ASEqRcYs/ AUTHOR: Lupe Family suggests you say i will order from you Janifer. The trailer for my novel with the PAM real life person is at Lupe Tofaceit on youtube. Pat! A Revolutionary Black Molecule. * AND Here is a podcast I do with Dr. Robyn C. Spencer, black historian and writer. In the interview we discuss Pat Robinson , who my character Pam, takes after! WOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYZf7N6USEk read more

I just ordered a book from Sister's for a friend in NYC because I wanted to support a bookseller local to her. The service at Sister's is wonderful. I've had a couple of phone calls with the shop, and everyone has been really friendly and responsive. Someone even offered to walk the book over to my friend to save on shipping. I wish I lived in NYC so that I could visit the shop in person. I will continue to order from them online. read more

Such a wonderful jewel located right here in Harlem! Not only can I find the latest best sellers they also have some of the most delicious vegan goodies in the city (the lemon cake and chocolate cake are to die for)! Ms. Janifer (the owner) and Kori (her daughter) are adorable (always greets you with a smile), helpful (have a way of locating even the most obscure title that I've come seeking), and brilliant ( some of the events held here are the most amazing in the city..from poetry readings to Mocha Girl's Bookclub). Please stop by to support this gem, you won't be disappointed! read more

Sister's Uptown Bookstore - Mocha Girl's Read - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

So happy to find this bookstore in my neighborhood. I love the collection and the warm and welcoming atmosphere. I hope to be a regular! read more

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Cute family owned bookstore with close ties to local art programs in the public school system. Small, cozy and warm, just like its proprietor. She has the latest offerings which has a slant towards African American and ethnic authors. A must visit if you're in the area. read more

Sister's Uptown Bookstore - a woman looking at her phone - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

My humble sweet local black-owned bookstore. Run by the sweetest lady doing what she can for the community. It's not as big as my west coast favorite, Eso Won Books, but it's perfect. I find the collection to be good and they can order what they don't have in stock. I'm a big fan. There's a cute coffee bar with snacks re-opening soon. read more

Fabulous bookstore with a ton of book options, including books for youngsters featuring Black main characters. So important. What I want to talk about most though is their baked goods. I got some vegan cookies and they are AMAZING. I have been vegan for a long time and have missed oatmeal raisin cookies - but no more! No ma'am. I have a local spot to fill this need now. I also grabbed a bag of their chocolate chip cookies. Haven't dug into yet but they smell amaze. The list also mentioned vegan cake and all kinds of goods. I'm excited to go back and see what else is there. 5 stars for sure!! read more

Let me tell you, Sister's Uptown Bookstore was actually impressive. I've never had a bad experience with them, never tried something I didn't love. Everything was extremely flavorful and flavorful. Crew is extremely welcoming and can help you with anything. Sister's Uptown Bookstore....The place is really cool. read more

This bookstore is amazing!!! Staff is so professional and tentative and they have an excellent selection of books at reasonable price. read more

Just another example of the attention small stores can give customers ... I was asked to find some African-American themed birthday cards but didn't have time to get up to the store. I spoke to someone there who actually pulled a few and then called me back to describe them to me. She then mailed them out and I was happy to pay the small fee (postage and possibly handling ... I can't remember) for them to do so. Places like this are jewels. Please support them. read more

I live in Brooklyn but last week had an afternoon appointment uptown. Arriving early, I decided to wander around the neighborhood for a bit and discovered Sister's Uptown Bookstore. I am physically incapable of passing by a bookstore without peeking my head in and this one was no exception. I was immediately greeted with a smile and hello by the woman working there. There is a difference between being robotically greeted and genuinely greeted and she was most definitely in the genuine category. It made me feel welcome as did the entire energy of the place. Unfortunately, I only had time to look around for about 30 minutes before my meeting ( enough time to find 2 books though ) but am most definitely going to return for books or one of their poetry/music nights or the gong meditation evening. Community/cultural spaces like this always​ needed, but especially in the current world that we live in. I so wish this was closer to me but until then, I'll be taking a 75 min train ride to 147th street. read more

This space is a balm for the weary spirit - truly appreciated in this cold-hearted city. Walking in, I was hit by the openness of the bookstore, which contrasts nicely with its cozy and colorful vibe. Sister Janifer had saged and mopped the space and added some cozy reading nooks, and the space glistened with the peaceful shimmer of the angels. At the very front, on your right, is an art nook with textiles, statues and instruments at very reasonable prices. I particularly enjoyed the burnished wood tribal sculptures. There are two glass cabinets which hold incense, body care products, candles, and an assortment of scented oils like jasmine and cinnamon. At only $3 for a small vial, I'm sold. Right beside it, there's a coffee and smoothie bar that has lots of holistic health products for sale as well. The last time I was there, I had a small coffee with hazelnut and vanilla syrup for $1; it was delicious. And the books! Sister's carries the full line of Queen Afua books, which I love. There is a wide variety of books, both mainstream and rare; I especially love the many books from indie presses on ancient spirituality, history and culture. The last time I was there, I bought a copy of the cult classic Metu Neter Vol. 1, and put the second volume on hold. This book slays! But the best reason by far to visit Sister's is the owner, Janifer. A 40+-year veteran of the civil rights struggle, Janifer is a battle-forged warrior with a heart of gold. Her humility, strength and compassion are peerless, as is her character. She has comforted me on many a day when the war has worn on me and I could barely move. I would drag myself to Sister's and my heart would be soothed. Pay her a visit and support a Harlem institution. read more

Grateful to have Sisters Uptown still around in Harlem :) thank you for the help last winter in finding holiday gifts for my family.

honestly such an incredible space. I've bought two books here (Citizen by Claudia Rankine and Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, fantastic reads), and the women who was working the counter (and I think is the owner) was so lovely, helpful and made the experience so welcoming. it's a really gorgeous space with a rocking chair and apparently has community events that I'm definitely going to check out. I would really recommend supporting this space! I believe they might be the only black-owned independent bookstore in NYC and that's so important to keep alive! read more

This bookstore is a Gem the atmosphere is beautiful and welcoming, easily found the books I needed and even got some suggestions from the lovely staff. Helping provide specialized books to help you learn and understand your past, present and future. I would recommend to all Kings and queens out there looking for knowledge. read more

This bookstore serves as a "Last of the Mohicans" among bookstore/literature world. The owner, Jannifer, is warm and very willing to work with persons who support the Black community. The bookstore houses great literature for children and adults. You have to check this Harlem gem! read more

I love this bookstore! It is what a real bookstore is supposed to be. An inviting space with a great selection of books and knowledgeable, friendly staff to help if you need a recommendation. I can't wait to go to one of their events. read more

Now this is a community bookstore. A variety of great books popped into a little spot, complete with café, performance space, and some amazing events. This is one of those places, and if you come in a good person, with an open heart and your head in the right place, I think you can just feel the love. It's a sensation. This kind of love, it's a certain kind of feeling. I have walked through here so many times yearning for this book or that: poetry, children's books, novels, history, philosophy. And I've approached the door to exit with a mind racing, racing, racing with inspiration. Jotting down notes for future poems on napkins. And feeling the love. This is a community bookstore. It is a space. It is evidence that communities can develop for the people who already live there, not by displacing them. That communities only develop when the people in them, who are there and have been there, develop. Have the tools to develop. And a bookstore, Sister's Uptown Bookstore is a tool to develop. And a heart to keep the blood pumping and the love flowing. A love letter. read more

This is a great bookstore and cultural center, too. I attended a terrific meditation workshop there last night and was impressed with the selection of books, the beautiful African art, the café, and the space itself, which is dedicated to sharing, performing, affirming, and supporting the community. All this love is waiting -- it would be great if the community fully reciprocated! read more

I love this space. Went during my first trip to NYC and it was one of my favorite parts of the trip! Great vibes and a cool collection

Attended a book reading here. Lovely space for cultural conversation and community. Books are affordable and I found the staff to be friendly and accommodating. read more

I love this place! The energy and decor is magnificent, and the availability of books for any age, and other products like jewelry and incense is always on point with truly awesome prices. The special events are great too. It's really convenient to public transportation as well. I hope it's around for many more years. read more

Sister's Uptown Bookstore is a true neighborhood gem. Friendly and thoughtful staff, outstanding and up-to-date collection, all in a warm, culturally affirming space. We all need to do a better job of spreading the word about this and other community institutions that empower our young people, elders, and everyone in between with life-changing knowledge and spiritual and cultural fortification. Let's spread the word and BUY LOCAL! read more

So, fast forward to December 13, 2011. There is a poetry reading about to take place. Music, soft, seductive, entices us to travel somewhere else, somewhere familiar, but outside of our selves. Music produced by Atiba Kwabena and troupe is historically enticing, invoking the spirits of our ancestors, musical greats, but at the same time, invitingly soft, gentle and necessary. And as we flow the river of musical inducements, we meet Linyak, the purpose of which is to give back a little more than generally necessary. And we participate willingly because to do anything less would constitute an extreme violation of ethics, no matter to whose ethics we subscribe to. We are now in the throes of the poet plot... devised to convince us that our sensibilities could always use another truth check, another foray into the reality of our supposed existences. It is then that we stop, consider and contemplate the reason for our having been so gifted by the excrement of the Muse whose form takes many faces in oh so many spaces, but, fortunately, chose to venture into the room with us who seek her most of all. For she holds the key to our enlightened selves and the means to convey the truth in any and all obtuse manner. We praise and honor the elements that favor us with this gathering, knowing full well that we will not return to our beginnings without having experienced change and life altering revelation. I for one will offer thanks and solemnity to this remarkable event at Sister's Uptown Bookstore. -Tanya C. Tyler, Poet read more

Believe me, I am a fan of this small shop. I happened upon it quite by accident, even th ough i've lived in the neighborhood for the past five years. Its a nice little shop with a very homey kind of feel to it. They have a nice selection of titles, as well as a nice collection of African art.(both of which are passions of mine). It has become one of my very favorite go to spots when I have family or friends visiting the city. By the way, the owner is one of the most pleasant, down to earth people you would ever want to meet. This spot is a beacon light for the community. read more

sister's uptown bookstore is ideal for the community of harlem. with many business' closing...let's support sister's. the books are great and the open poetry nights are fabulous!!! i know personally . i let out some of my ideas and it was received well with love and care. let's not forget the musicians ..everything is so on point with them. sister's uptown is not just a bookstore of black knowledge.....it's creativity, it's networking , it's selling natural products......it's love!!!!!! follow on facebook for future events. read more