The Lit. Bar

The Lit. Bar, which officially opened its doors on April 27, 2019, coinciding with National Indie Bookstore Day, stands out as the sole bookstore catering to the 1.5 million residents of the vibrant Boogie Down Bronx community. Within its walls, the atmosphere embraces inclusivity, catering to diverse readers and fostering a welcoming environment for literary discussions and communal events. At the same time, the addition of a wine bar introduces a unique blend of social interaction and solitary enjoyment, merging the pleasures of sipping wine with the intimacy of reading. As a devoted book enthusiast living in Vermont, I often struggled to find establishments where I can engage in my passion for reading as a Black individual. This rebranding initiative holds tremendous significance for me, not only due to my personal affection for books and fine wine but also because of the profound symbolism embodied by this bookstore—a sanctuary where I, as a Black ambivert, can freely explore the depths of literature in a safe and inclusive setting.