Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria

Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria Word Up is a community bookshop in Northern Manhattan. Word Up es una librería comunitaria en el Alto Manhattan.
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More info: www.wordupbooks.com

Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria is a multilingual, collectively operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit bookshop and arts space in Northern Manhattan. Embracing cooperative practices, we champion books and storytelling in all forms to build and sustain a more just world where people can live with dignity and autonomy. We strive to make our neighborhood a resource-rich site for all to grow, learn, and celebrate our heritages. In June 2011, Word Up opened as a temporary bookstore in a makeshift space, but became a permanent entity when thousands of neighbors demanded a continuation of the lease from the landlord; neighbors wanted a place to convene, converse, and connect with books. After a new landlord ended the lease, the collective continued to distribute books and program events without a physical location. A successful crowdfunding campaign in late 2012—raising more than $70,000 from more than 800 funders—enabled us to reopen in July 2013 in our current, permanent location at 2113 Amsterdam Avenue at 165th Street. In 2021, we opened a pop-up location, Recirculation, to honor a collective member who passed away from COVID-19. Word Up is operated by a collective of 60+ neighborhood residents. Since our founding, approximately 1,000 neighbors have been trained as volunteers at Word Up. We practice horizontal leadership, seeking consensus as much as possible, though weighing decision-making power to those who will execute the work.


* Email [email protected] to ask for the latest info, to consign books, to join the mailing list, or for any press inquiries.
* Email [email protected] to submit an event proposal.
* Email [email protected] to GET INVOLVED!

EVENT THIS WEEK at and .nyc including a new gallery, Narcan training, monthly collage night, and a book talk with Turki...
07/13/2026

EVENT THIS WEEK at and .nyc including a new gallery, Narcan training, monthly collage night, and a book talk with Turkish music 🎺

Next week we’re hosting an overdose presentation community training! Learn how to save a life from an opioid overdose by...
07/08/2026

Next week we’re hosting an overdose presentation community training! Learn how to save a life from an opioid overdose by administering life-saving Naloxone (Narcan).

Naloxone (Narcan®) is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as he**in, prescription painkillers and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. BTW we keep Narcan at the shop if you ever need it!

Each registered participant aged 18 and up will receive a free Narcan kit upon completion of the training.

Please register at WithFriends.co/WordUp.

American history picks for this weekend! REMINDER Today’s the last day we’re open this week.
07/03/2026

American history picks for this weekend! REMINDER Today’s the last day we’re open this week.

We need your help making our two spaces ADA-compliant and fully functional for all our customers! Both and .nyc bathroo...
07/03/2026

We need your help making our two spaces ADA-compliant and fully functional for all our customers! Both and .nyc bathrooms are constantly breaking down, which isn’t great when you’re hosting 3+ events every week. And we need to make a new ADA-compliant ramp with railing at everyone can come on in SAFELY.

We’re a third of the way to our goal! Donate whatever you can at GiveButter.com/15Kfor15

We have some matching donors once we hit $5K!

It’s so hot, stay inside and plan your July events for when it’s cooler.
07/02/2026

It’s so hot, stay inside and plan your July events for when it’s cooler.

07/02/2026

Recirculation will be closed Thursday, July 2nd due to the heatwave. The store will also be closed the entire weekend. See you next week!

If you need AC, a bathroom, or your book fix, you can visit Word Up on Amsterdam Ave. on Thursday 7/2 and Friday 7/3.

07/01/2026

🎉 Introducing the Skyye Scholars Program! 📚✨

This summer, we're excited to launch Skyye Scholars Program, a free literacy program within the Skyye's The Limit Literacy Program for youth and young adults that meets every Wednesday beginning July 8th at 3pm at Word Up Community Bookshop in Washington Heights.

As part of the program, elect participants will be invited to become Skyye Scholars: an exclusive opportunity created to recognize outstanding commitment, participation and growth throughout the summer.

Skyye Scholars will receive special recognition and unique opportunities designed to celebrate their dedication to learning and encourage them to continue reaching new heights.

📖 If you're looking for a fun, engaging and supportive way to grow as a reader this summer, we'd love to have you join us!

✨ Registration is open now! Visit the link in our bio to learn more and sign up. Space is limited, so don't wait!

Address

2113 Amsterdam Avenue, Corner Of 165th St/Luis "El Terror" Díaz Way
New York, NY
10032

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 8pm
Wednesday 12pm - 8pm
Thursday 12pm - 6pm
Friday 12pm - 6pm
Saturday 12pm - 6pm

Telephone

+13476884456

Website

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