Source of Knowledge Book Store

This is the best local bookstore I’ve visited in years. They have a vast selection of children’s and adult books ranging from history to cooking. I could spend hours there talking to the staff and looking at the carefully curated books. We enjoyed recommendations from the staff and were excited to five books. If you are an avid reader you’ll love this jewel in the heart of downtown Newark.

A true community gem. This Black-owned bookstore is thoughtfully curated, welcoming, and deeply intentional about uplifting Black voices and stories. The staff is knowledgeable and kind, and the selection for all ages is excellent. More than a bookstore — it’s a space that inspires and empowers. Highly recommend supporting and visiting.

What an incredible store! Staff are warm, friendly and knowledgeable. A wide selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s literature, much of which may not be found in your typical book shop or online retailer. Many works by Black authors that I personally hadn’t known about—but this was the place to learn! I will definitely be back. (And props to Patrice for being so welcoming and enthusiastic about the books in your collection—this is what the local bookstore experience is all about.)

Very kind and thoughtful owners I felt welcomed right in! Definitely great for the whole diaspora lots of really awesome and beautiful children’s books. Definitely will be back for the book clubs!

Absolute gem! I am so glad I sought this place out

I am sure this is a great business and the owners are very nice but this establishment has a total disregard for the tenants that live on Treat Place in Newark, NJ. Whenever they have outside events they never give the the people who pay to live here a heads up about the high volume of music that will be blasting for hours at a time, the redirect of traffic since they will most likely block of the street for their events, not to mention they give no notice to the other businesses in the vicinity of such festivities. I have lived here for multiple years and this is a constant with them, it makes me not want to patronize their business because of their lack of consideration for those of us who actually live here! I just think it's ironic that for a business that tries to serve its community it doesn't prioritize the livelihood of community in which it does business. Update: August 2025 The selfishness with this business continues. It seems the only way they take the people who actually live in this apartment complex into consideration is by seeing a Google review—so here I am, yet again. It’s 7:30 on a Saturday morning, and apparently sleeping in on this block is impossible because You can always count on Source of Knowledge to blast music like they’re the only ones in the vicinity. I hate to call out a Black-owned business, but I have to wonder—do they sell a book on consideration and empathy? If so, I guess it’s one they haven’t read yet.

An awesome range of diverse genres, mainly from black authors and includes children’s books, encouraging one to enhance their reading culture! The two ladies (owners?) are engaging, helpful with book recommendations and happy to discuss past purchases. The Store also has a rich collection of wooden art pieces (to explore in future). Looking forward to my next visit!

Incredible bookstore. But it’s not just that. I walked in and immediately felt at home. Not only because of the books but because of the culture. If you’re black, this is a necessary visit if you go to Newark. If you’re not, it’s still a necessary visit. This store truly lives up to its name. It’s a hub for all the knowledge I will need on my spiritual journey as well as my entrepreneurship journey, there’s something for everyone. The energy was electric. Dexter and his partner Pat were also a pleasure meeting. They are also the owners. I will make this a quarterly trip as I live in south jersey and it’s about a 2 hour drive. I’m glad I decided to go for a walk after having lunch. 😉 the picture I added is a list of books I want to research before I purchase, but I won’t be purchasing them anywhere else but here

When I first reviewed this store I gave it 5 stars. However, I'm disappointed in their business practices. I'm a self-published author and was excited to have my book in their store under consignment. Although they have sold my books, I've never received any compensation. I'm battling stage 4 colon cancer and the proceeds from book sales help me with incurred medical expenses.

I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the store From Outside the stores doesn't look like much I didn't even see the books when I walked in and realized I was in reader book lover heaven . I loved all the children's books and the variety of books The store staff was friendly and helpful I Will definitely come back

I love thus place. They helped me with my Kwanzaa set up. As a teacher and a father of a ten-year-old, finding books with African Americans as the protagonists is vital. The artwork is also inspiring.

This is a great local bookshop, specializing in Black history, literature, politics and art as well as a great source of arts, crafts and clothing. The books are well laid out and sections clearly labelled, lending itself to easy browsing and shopping. I've picked up some great stuff here. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the gloriously thriving indoor plants lend a nice touch of texture!

Being a former Educator, I was like a child in a candy store. They offer a variety of books, art,& more! Come out and support, it is one of the last bookstores in Newark, and not sure, but probably the only one that caters to us!

One of the last bookstores left in Newark. This cozy bookstore features many Urban/street novels along with various historical and nonfictions pieces by writers of African descent. It's very well stocked and has a nice vibe.