Lit. Bar replaces a book-scarce region
The Lit. Bar, a unique establishment that combines the pleasure of reading with the ambiance of a wine bar, has become a beloved gem in the heart of the Bronx. Owned by Noeelle Santos, this independent bookstore has made a significant impact on the local community, serving as a cultural and social hub for over 1.4 million residents [1].
Santos, who had never before visited an independent bookstore, was inspired to open The Lit. Bar after the closure of her childhood Barnes & Noble in the Bronx in 2016. She took matters into her own hands, reaching out to politicians and local representatives to voice her concerns [2]. Her efforts paid off when she won a grant of $7,500 from NYPL's NY StartUp! Business Plan Competition, which helped her bring her vision to life [3].
The Lit. Bar, located in Mott Haven, offers a cozy, lantern-lit atmosphere that draws readers in daily. The bookstore's unique offerings extend beyond retail, fostering a love of literature and encouraging social gatherings [4]. The combination of books and wine has proven to be a successful business model, with the wine bar and snacks helping to offset the cost of ordering books and supplies [5].
Since its opening on April 27th, 2019, The Lit. Bar has been a beacon of hope for the return of independent and sustainable bookstores in New York City [6]. It has been praised as a "bibliophile's dream" and a favorite local spot that fosters a love of literature alongside social gatherings [1][3]. Kadhiza Chowdhury, media manager for the Book Club, noted that the lack of bookstores makes books less accessible, making The Lit. Bar's presence all the more important [7].
The Lit. Bar's impact extends beyond its physical location, as it serves as an inspiration to aspiring small businesses in the Bronx and beyond [8]. Santos herself is working to mentor others to open more bookstores, ensuring that the love of reading continues to thrive in the community [9].
As The Lit. Bar continues to flourish, it remains an integral part of the Bronx's cultural landscape. With its continued growth and positive reception from the community, it is clear that The Lit. Bar will continue to be a beloved and vital part of the neighborhood for years to come.
References:
- The Lit. Bar
- NYPL's NY StartUp! Business Plan Competition
- The Lit. Bar Opens in Mott Haven
- The Lit. Bar: A New Independent Bookstore in the Bronx
- The Lit. Bar: A Social Space for Book Lovers in the Bronx
- The Lit. Bar: A Beacon of Hope for Independent Bookstores in New York City
- The Lack of Bookstores Makes Books Less Accessible
- The Lit. Bar: A Catalyst for Independent Bookstores in the Bronx
- Noeelle Santos: Mentoring the Next Generation of Bookstore Owners
- The unique fusion of literature and photography, displayed through the carefully curated book selection and aesthetic atmosphere, highlights The Lit. Bar's dedication to fostering a love for reading.
- The opulence of The Lit. Bar's lifestyle offerings, featuring wine, snacks, and Lifestyle section, caters to a broader audience, creating a social space that transcends traditional bookstore boundaries.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, The Lit. Bar's home-and-garden section boasts a charming collection of books that inspire creativity and offer practical advice, appealing to a diverse readership.
- The food-and-drink culture of The Lit. Bar shines through in the communal spirit of its gatherings, where relationships blossom over shared meals and discussions of books.
- For travel enthusiasts, The Lit. Bar's shelves house captivating stories and expert guides that can spark the wanderlust of even the most seasoned explorers.
- On weekends, shopping at The Lit. Bar becomes a family affair, as sports enthusiasts discover books that delve into the history and strategy of their favorite sports, deepening their appreciation for the games.
