According to a report published by the National Association of Black Bookstores, there are 306 Black-owned bookstores in the United States of America, representing approximately 8% of independent bookstores nationwide. And 14 states currently have no Black-owned bookstore. Utah has a wonderful Black-owned mobile bookstore. ✨ CROWNE BOOKS ✨ aims to bring the first brick-and-mortar Black-owned bookstore to the state of Utah.

Brought to you by Olivia Nightingale, an award-winning editor and romance author, this new addition to Salt Lake City’s literary scene will specialize in literature written by and about African Americans, Africans, and the African Diaspora!

We will stock a variety of frontlist and backlist titles, maintaining a healthy mix of new and used books across all genres of Black literature, including comics, manga, and graphic novels.

Olivia strongly believes literacy is liberation and her legacy. She wants to do her part by leaving her mark on SLC’s third spaces by providing a safe and inclusive space for the Black community, allies, family, and friends to come together over the joy of a great book!

Our ultimate goal to comfortably secure leasing and renovate a permanent location is in the works. She is working with the Salt Lake Department of Economic Development and community partners. But we are starting with the funds needed to make a significant impact as a pop-up all across the state of Utah. $7,500 will allow us to:

If and when this goal is met, the campaign will expand into stage two, revealing the permanent location we intend to put down roots in. Join us by donating and spreading the word. Every dollar helps build this dream, combat the rise in illiteracy, and promote diversity!

With Love ♥,

Olivia, Owner of Crowne Books

#blackowned #womanowned #indiebookstore #smallbusiness #slc