The La Casa Azul Bookstore is a Hispanic bookstore in East Harlem that started 2 years ago. It is the only bookstore in East Harlem and the only Hispanic bookstore in NYC. It was inspired by Frida Kahlo’s home in Mexico. It’s really a creative space that mainly sells books written by Latino and Afro-latino writers. It features book clubs, book readings, open mics, dance classes, cooking classes, exhibits, and a lot more. The current exhibit “A Ribbon Around A Bomb: Who Am I Being + Becoming In This Space” portrays photographs of young women in the day and age, with their personal reflections of what makes them the lively and brilliant women that they are. All reflections started with “I am powerful because…”
one of the photographs from the “Ribbon Around A Bomb” exhibit
This place is such a rarity. I was amazed to find it in the first place. I love the individuality and flair it has as a book store. It gives a platform to voices that aren’t heard often. It’s just a beautiful, bright place.
Thank You for sharing this information!
It looks like a wonderful place!
Frida Kahlo was a very prominent artist and I’m really glad that she inspired such places as this book store. I will definitely stop by to check it out, especially since I’ve never been to East Harlem.
Hi Sophia,
First, I’d like to say that I’m glad bookstores still exist. There’s such a fun culture about them, and it’s truly devastating to see them disappear slowly, even in our great city that houses it all.
Second, I think this is a fabulous way to embellish a bookstore. It adds to the culture contained within the books, and reflects it on the walls. I hope it will encourage more people to stop by and at least take it all in.