Black Garnet Books

A Must-Visit Gem on University Avenue in Saint Paul This bookstore is a treasure trove for book lovers and gift shoppers alike. The customer service is exceptional—friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to help you find what you’re looking for. One of the standout features is their ability to order books from small publishers, offering a unique selection you won’t find in mainstream stores. Their gift section is equally impressive, filled with magnets, stickers, puzzles, and activity boxes that make perfect gifts or keepsakes. The curated selection of books caters to readers of all ages—children, teens, and adults alike. As a cookbook enthusiast, I was thrilled by their carefully chosen collection of cookbooks, which features something for every culinary interest. This bookstore is more than just a place to buy books; it’s a community hub that celebrates diverse voices and creativity. Highly recommend stopping by and supporting this gem!

This bookshop is unlike other bookshops, I travel to bookshops around the U.S and this is very modern styled and I love it. They stepped away from the home and cozy feel but it works so well. They have a great collection of books, it not crowded with books but you will find what your looking for, I would say the books that are there are intentional almost. Not only did I go home with a book, and some bookish accessories but I wanted to take the plants home too!!

Saint Paul is lucky to have such an incredible bookstore right here in our community. We love getting our books here (for all ages!), all birthday presents, little gifts and stickers. Keep an eye out for incredible events, book releases, etc. 🖤

A wonderful addition to the neighborhood, Black Garnet Books offers a vibrant curation of books celebrating authors and illustrators of color. This bookstore is a truly welcome addition to the literature space as they create an opportunity to seek out new voices and perspectives that you might not find browsing the shelves of other bookstores. Much love to this local gem! I always appreciate the opportunity to support a local business, and it's made even easier through the opportunity to support an inspiring mission!

The only queer, Black-owned brick-and-mortar bookstore in MN! This was a lovely space, the shelves were gorgeous, the staff was friendly and attentive, and there was a sweet dog who greeted us at the door 🖤 I am honored that I had the opportunity to go it was #1 thing on my to visit list.

This bookstore is everything you imagine the best bookstore in the world being. The books are mostly written by people of color and honestly to go to a place that puts these authors and books at the forefront is something I definitely appreciated. Their children's books collection is amazing too and includes a number of awards winning books that you honestly do not see in more accessible stores like target or walmart. I was lucky enough to learn about this bookstore when I was given a gift card by a friend who realllllly knows me. This is definitely a place I am going to be coming back to. It was refreshing being in this bookstore and seeing books that would otherwise be buried under other more mainstream books. Important stories might not go unheard if there is a bookstore like black garnet books around 😊

A staple in the community. A rare precious jewel like a diamond uncut. I am grateful for this bookstore. It’s peaceful in here. They have great customer service and I wish them much success. I will patronize them Everytime I visit this city. They deserve the love and their flowers.

Wonderful bookstore, thoughtfully curated and a pleasure to peruse. I placed an order online to pick up and enjoyed talking with the staff person about favorites.

What a cute and perfect little gem in St. Paul! Offering a huge variety of books from lots of different authors, and tons of gifts, toys, and kids' options! Check it out when you are in the neighborhood!

I love this new book store in the Twin Cities! My biggest critique of other bookstores is that there aren't enough diverse books but now I never have to worry about that again! Black Garnet Books is focused entirely on curating a wide selection by authors & illustrators of color. They have an amazing children's book selection, perfect for me as books are my go-to gift for young ones in my life. But there's more than books here for any gift needs you have for yourself, workplace, or others. I got some nice cards for staff here during the holidays & there's also stationary, pins, games, toys & art prints from local BIPOC artists. I've been here multiple times now and love the vibe & selection each time I walk in. The space is colorful, fun, airy, w/ natural light & plants around. There's some tables & chairs to relax in & cute area for kids. The staff have always been friendly as well. You can buy/reserve books online & pick-up in the store. I've used this super easy system when I didn't have much time to browse & was looking for a specific book. Lastly, there's free, open off street parking in the back which is super convenient. I dunno if it was planned but this bookstore is also next to a boba shop so you can do what I do and hit up both boba & this awesome bookstore when you're in the area!