Community Book Center

Excellent local bookstore and community center. I've been a few times in the past and purchased several books. It's new books only so things can get out of hand quickly. I haven't seen one of their speakers/authors yet, but their is usually a discussion happening in the store at all times. Books tend to be curated for the African American experience, but you'll find things on all subjects here. I somehow managed to avoid spending money last trip even though I saw 3 books already on my list, next time.

A true gem! Madam J was remarkable and the shop is terrific. Ended up picking up some children’s books, books and souvenirs. A true delight all around. I felt welcomed and was helped from the moment I came in until it was time to check out. They have a great selection of books and other mementos in store and online. Wonderful mural on the side too. I’ll be back to support her and what the store represents.

Funny story my husband is from New Orleans and I lived here for over a decade this bookstore was one of our first dates!!!!!!! Jen and Vera have been serving this community for decades!!!!! We came to visit and hang out I was so happy too see nothing has changed I love this place the city has really made bayou road a beautiful place for the community they have a wide variety of books, body products, bags, jewelry art work and more if you are ever in New Orleans make this a stop on your list you will not be disappointed!!!!❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍

I didn’t think I was going to have to put my guard up in this place as a person of color among other poc. I came here joyful and with excitement to see a bookstore dedicated to AA and African Diaspora perspective of different genre of reading and merchandise. Joyful until a worker robbed me of a good experience: she could not answer any of my questions (which is fine) but then insulted me by saying I was ‘miserable’ when I had deep happiness; they continued to diminish my life experience with assumptions and their projections. There is an insecure, unhappy, judgmental, and volatile spirit that lingers.

This is a wonderful AA book store that also sells bags, purses, beads magnets and much more! There is a large variety of books for adults and children. I love the location because not in a congested area with heavy traffic. There is also an Ethiopian restaurant across the street that opens at 5pm. I highly recommend visiting this store to purchase unique books about AA’s.

Such an amazing book store and community center! We talked to Mama Jennifer and learned so much! Staple stop in NOLA! A Black owned business that really all about elevating Black Joy and success!

First time visiting with a friend in this warm bookstore. Outside was a shelf of previously used books with a promotion of filling your bag up with them for $5.00. Upon entering, Community Book Center was well lit surrounded by warm color tones. The book selection is mainly African-American, and could use more books. The selection was very diverse and inclusive was all genres. This bookstore also sells clothing and bags. I will return here in the future!

How cute is the sign in front 😍 Was in town for a few days and soul glad my friend Jasmine brought me to this gem. The ladies that work here are so warm, welcoming and knowledgeable! Definitely some great options, a book lover's haven. & if you get lost in there for hours, no worries.. there's some delicious Ethiopian food right across the street.

What a most amazing local bookstore with a wealth of local knowledge as well as recommendations to send you in the right direction for whatever you might be looking for. Came here after a local recommendation for the first time, and came back shortly thereafter to enjoy Independent Bookstore Day. Both times, it felt like coming home. The most amazing women work here, and they will both set you on a path of enlightenment or entertainment, whatever you may be looking for. Solid recommendations that were exactly what I was looking for, even though I had only the vaguest of notions each time I walked in as to what I was even looking for. I'm always on the lookout for the next great book, and the women here keep steering me in the exact direction I need. On Bayou Road (the oldest road/path pre-dating the city) and surrounded by other great local shops and eateries. Definitely worth the visit.

Amazing selection of black books across a variety of genres. Good vibes in the spot. Nice owner.

This book store is a cultural oasis. When you pop in, you may be blessed enough to receive  a rich and beautiful conversation with Ms. Jennifer. And then there's Mrs. Vera, the owner,  who is always welcoming and helpful. The shop has an array of books here that you won't find many places in the city. There are also very unique items that they sell, such as bags, fabrics, incense, etc.  I stopped in for a book and left with so much more. It's always a great experience coming here.

The Community Book Center primarily offers books, however, it also contains bookmarks, postcards, calendars, incense, candles, some jewelry, magnets and other locally sourced items from various vendors. They also hold small events such as book signings. There is a wooden wall with event flyers and business cards to keep people informed of community events too. It's more than "just a bookstore" hence the name. I set a time limit for myself because I can easily spend an hour in there. Between speaking with Mama Jennifer (I think that's her name) about books and browsing the new items since my last visit, it feels like a time warp; I'll think it's been 30 min and it's actually been 90 min. Parking: Bayou Road is one of the oldest business roads in the area and as such needs repair to its bricks and cobblestones. As such, I find parking in one of the nearby streets and walk to the Center. If approaching from N. Broad St, you'll see the beautiful mural (by local artist B. Mike) on the side of the Center. Friendly service, strong sense of community, and a great variety of African-centered materials too. This past trip (Nov 2022) I focused on gifts for family. I'll take more pictures during my next trip. Highly recommend you check out the Community Book Center for yourself.

I love a local, independent bookstore and the Community Book Center is a perfect example of that. They have a large assortment of books written by Black authors and range from fiction, nonfiction, children's book, memoirs, YA fiction, and more. They also sell other items like Christmas cards, NOLA themed enamel pins, and fabrics. The people were great and don't mind helping out or chatting. In pre-COVID times, I believe this is also a community space for meetings and events. They have a beautiful BMike mural on the side of the store and you can't miss it. I also met their bookstore kitty! This place has everything you need in an indie bookstore.

Talk about community staples, pillars, or necessities. Here we have a true community gem. If knowledge is power, access is power. Full disclosure, I AM an English teacher who will have been in New Orleans for only 12 days; however, the spirit of this city is animated in its art, its history, its cultural centers, the people, and the souls of yesterday and today. It's central with street parking, small cafes, a church, B-Mike's iconic murals, and other local small businesses around this community center. I didn't have bookstores and libraries readily available in my neighborhood growing up in Texas--let alone with authors and images of people, past and present, who look like me, think like me, feel like me, pray like me, style like me, cry like me, rejoice like me and love like me. If you care about community, if you care about education, if you care about the city of New Orleans (whether you are a native, a tourist, a descendant), I invite and or challenge you to come here. In my brief interaction, I felt Momma Jennifer, the center leader, as a fellow educator, as a scholar, and as a beacon of hope. No more church from me.

POC owned and operated, locally owned small bookstore. I came forgetting how close they are to the fairgrounds and that it was Jazz Fest, but I stopped by. I will be back when the Fest isn't going on, but I am glad I stopped in anyways. Picked up a couple of books. Very friendly employees. Lots of children's books. Books about the local area, local authors. If you can not find a book that you are looking for in the store or on their website, they will do their best to look for it and get it for you. They have a passion for books, people and the area. I am so very glad to support small, support local. Keep your money local!!

This place is a jewel. If they don't have it they'll get it. It's definitely New Orleans & I will be returning.

What an lovely establishment. The owner of the place was an absolute pleasure. She helped my children pick out books and she gave us so much information on the surrounding area.

would much, much rather get books here than a big box store or online! so folks who know already know, but sharing this for anyone who might be new and looking for a local bookstore option (of which there are many in the city yes, but this one is special!). why? because it's an institution, and a true community center. people talking to people and genuinely asking about your family. and it's on the same stretch of other great businesses on bayou road, so you can make an afternoon of it!

Already read half of my first book, will probably be done by the weekend. Will begin my 2nd book by next week. I'll definitely be back here for more.

They are currently under repairs due to recent vandalism. But this establishment is absolutely beautiful and worth the visit and consistent support! From the books to accessories, and overall peaceful environment; this is the place to get lost in.

Incredible selection of books plus a very knowledgeable and friendly staff!! I called to ask about a book and without me even asking they set a copy of it aside for me. The women who work here are so lovely. There is also a cat who sleeps in a bed behind the counter. This place is truly a gem and I can't wait to go back!

Loved this lil city gem. The store has an array of different generes and works from authors from around the world. I even scored a Kwanzaa set for a very reasonable price here. Will definitely be back!

Walk in and feel like family. I loved this place and the people that run the shop! A friend had recommended I come thru and she was right! Picked up some gems and I'm not just talking books

I can't gush enough about this place. Such an incredible collection of Black-centered literature and anti-racist educational reading. They had every title on my list and so much more. I left with a huge stack of books and overwhelming love for this place and the people in it. Miss Jennifer spent nearly an hour with my partner and me, talking about education, the importance of reading Black stories alongside history and anti-racism books, and making recommendations for my young nephews to start their unlearning. It was a gift to visit here, and I will always swing through whenever I visit New Orleans. In fact, it makes me wish I lived a lot closer to this amazing community. So much love!

While in town visiting my son he took me to this store that he frequently visits the store was nice and quaint the staff was nice and extremely knowledgeable about local New Orleans' history.

Have been a customer for years because it's always home with Jennifer and Vera. Not only have I added to my book collection, but I've enlarged my personal art gallery with great prints, carvings, fans, woven baskets, puzzles, and Christmas ornaments. Was happy to have gotten my Black Panther t-shirt from them for the movie's premiere. Both ladies are great resources on our history, and readily share events of note.

Such an amazing and necessary place. Mama Jones is THE BEST!!! I wish I lived closer so I can spend my free time here. Not only do they specialize in great reads they also have natural health and cleaning products. There's a great selection of children's books that include blackness and emphasizes the importance of community. My friend and I were visiting from NY and wanted to visit black owned businesses in NOLA and we hit the jackpot. Mama gave us more selections and didn't let us go without a hug. This place is a gem.

This bookstore was the only bookstore to carry a book I have been searching for called "Bloom" by Brittany Traveste'. This was my second time coming here but I forgot to write a review the first time. Its pretty homely to me, meaning I get a home kitchen table in new Orleans in the seventh ward type of vibe. Book selection was good. It's not a Barnes and Noble selection but there are some good reads by African American Writers. There were also some books that are on many middle school and high school students reading lists so if you have a list come check them out! Overall really good service from the owner and people that were in there. Definitely check this place out. Very small and limited book choices but still cool!

I enjoyed this book store. My son purchased several for himself as well as a few for his cousin out of state. Social distancing was awesome and the owners were extremely friendly.

What a delightful book shop! They have such a wide variety of literature, most, if not all, written by BIPOC. From books about Islam to sci-fi to self-help to children's books, they have something for everyone. They also have books written by local New Orleans authors! The owners are fantastic and they ordered the book I wanted for me when it wasn't in stock.

Eclectic and locally owned, the Community Book Center is one of the secret gems of New Orleans. There's fun/funky T-shirts, a huge collection of books by black authors, and shea/coconut oil for sale by the jar. The owner greets regulars by name and you feel welcomed as soon as you step through the door.

Lovely people, great collection of books, and they gave us a free Green Book of Black owned businesses for tourists to check out! B-mike's artwork is on the side of the building too!

They stock a variety of books and other goods. If they don't have it they'll order what you need. Wish there was a section where you could sit down and go through your selections but other than that no complaints

The Community Book Center has an array of amazing books for all ages! I'm from California so I really enjoyed the variety of African American children's books that I've never seen in my local bookstores. It's easy to get lost in there looking at all the different book titles and skimming the pages. The women who worked the store on the day I visited were very friendly, helpful, with colorful personalities. It's a great neighborhood book store.

The Community Book Center's motto, first and foremost, is "We celebrate Black history every day!" This wonderful community gathering space located on Bayou St. (two doors down from Coco Hut, actually), is one of the most welcoming spaces I have yet entered in New Orleans. Ms. Jennifer, the proprietor, is always ready to recommend you books according to your interest and special order books that they don't have in stock. Sections include Newly Publishes (books by Black authors; there are many excellent ones about Katrina and its effect on the community, specifically), Religion, Historical, Children's Books, Young Adult, Health and Diet, etc. Tables are covered with framed artwork and posters that celebrate African and African-American culture and heroes, as does a section of African textiles and fabrics. They also have, as to be expected, a lot of Obama paraphernalia: posters, books, more books, children's books, large coffee table photograph books, biographies, etc. There are always events going on, from poetry readings, to community gatherings and forums, as well as children running around looking for books to do their homework after school, and regular folks just chatting and relaxing in the air conditioning with new and old friends. I encourage you to check out the CBC for yourself as soon as you can.

Such a beautiful space. The staff is amazing, lots of incredible books available, and the team was ready to order books if I couldn't find the one I was looking for. Cannot wait to go back!

This bookstore is the only black owned bookstore in New Orleans, which is surprising to me. It is well laid out and if you think you don't know where this place is your wrong...chances are, you paid $10 to park at the church next door and walked past it on the way to Jazz Fest. It's a well-lit store that it laid it out in a manner for you to wander around and browse the books at your leisure. There are also couches and other seating to allow for a book club or lounging with a book. They are cool about ordering any book you like and make everyone who walks through the door feel at home. Support small business and pick up your next paperback here.

Amazing center for community, art, literature, and creativity. They have clothing (including beautiful African dresses and earrings) and a wide array of used books, African American children's books, and lots of art! Vera, the manager, knows a lot about the community and culture. A chat with her makes it worth a visit!

An absolute gem in New Orleans! This place has a wide selection of books, such as children's books, history, health, and religion, as well as newly published and autographed works. Mama Jenn, who manages the place, is an amazing wealth of knowledge.