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.

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.)

I RECENTLY WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO VISIT SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE BOOK SHOP IN NEWARK NJ HOME FOR ALL BLACK LITERATURE AND ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW. THIS IS THE MOST IMMERSIVE BOOK STORE I HAVE BEEN TO REGARDING BLACK TOPICS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GIVE A BIG SHOUTOUT TO MS. PATRICE ONE OF THE OWNERS WHO NOT ONLY SHOWED ME AROUND THE STORE BUT WAS A WONDERFUL HOST AND A WEALTH OF WISDOM. GO VISIT IF YOU LOVE AFRICAN LITERATURE AS WELL AS AFRICAN CULTURE 867 BROAD STREET, NEWARK NJ

This place has sooooo many great books.!! I always buy something whenever i go. Its the Best!!! And I love the clothes and art gallery. Such a great spot

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.

If you are ever in Newark - Source Of Knowledge is a place you just have to make time to visit. More good books in one place than you could imagine with knowledgeable and friendly staff. A place you just have to visit to appreciate!

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!

It felt like family and being surrounded by so many books and kind people. A kid selection that should be all of our go too for the lil ones in the “village” the adult section is inviting and is sure to please any reader. It’s a great space that our Community definitely deserves.

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.