Community Book Center

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.

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!!

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!

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

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