Queens, the most diverse borough in New York City, holds a surprising statistical gap.
Despite housing millions of residents and over 100 spoken languages, it has historically been somewhat of a “book desert” with only about half a dozen independent bookstores.
That stark contrast pushed Jackson Heights native Adrian Cepeda (known to many on TikTok as BookPapi) to take action.
In August 2023, after winning a local tech and innovation grant, he opened The World’s Borough Bookshop—Queens’ very first BIPOC-owned bookstore, dedicated entirely to amplifying underrepresented voices.
Tucked away at 34-06 73rd St in Jackson Heights, this cozy, floor-to-ceiling literary haven flips traditional retail on its head.
Rather than defaulting to standard fiction and non-fiction sections, the store intentionally categorizes its entire inventory by cultural identity.
Flipping the script on shelves
Cepeda built the shop to ensure residents could find their own narratives prominently displayed—something he felt was missing when he was growing up a block away.
Patrons can browse dedicated sections for Latine, Black/African, Arab, AAPI, and Desi authors.
A specific, highly celebrated shelf is also strictly reserved for Writers from Queens.
This curation strategy directly champions authors who often lack a mainstream spotlight and gives readers a chance to see themselves in the stories they buy.
A true community headquarters
Operating under the slogan “Para y por la comunidad” (for and by the community), the physical space is much more than a retail spot; it doubles as a neighborhood headquarters for the arts.
Inside, visitors are greeted by a stunning mural by local Latina illustrator Andrea Pardo that reads “The World is Yours,” depicting a hand holding a globe in a field of flowers.
Regular programming fills the shop with author talks, workshops, live music, community theater performances, and writing groups.
It’s even become a safe, prime after-school hangout for local kids. Local street celebrations frequently incorporate the storefront, highlighted recently by a traditional lion dance performed right outside the doors!
The pink wall of milestones
Inside the shop, a bright pink signature wall serves as a living guestbook for visiting talent.
Cepeda notes he often meets aspiring authors long before they ever secure a publishing deal. Years later, those same individuals return to sign the wall with their newly released books in hand.
“Look, this could be you on the wall,” Cepeda tells newcomers, using the space to encourage the next generation of storytellers. “I am honored that I’m bringing all these amazing, beautiful writers to a little corner in Queens.”
📍 Location: 34-06 73rd St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
🕒 Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
