ignite your passion for stories

Build a Just & Informed Society

Word Up is a multi-language, general-interest community bookshop, art, and music space in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan in NYC.

Our goal is to preserve and build a neighborhood in which residents help each other to live better informed and more expressive lives, using books, art, and music as instruments of reciprocal education and exchange.

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Visit Our Store

Our website may look different, but our online store is still fully stocked with vibrant, diverse books. Support our mission by shopping with us!

Your purchases directly fund our community programs and help us continue to provide vital resources and services to our Upper Manhattan community.

building community

WHAT WE DO

Increase Access to Arts & Literature

We want everyone to have access to a diverse range of arts and literature that reflects their values and voices.

Facilitate Youth Empowerment

Our dynamic programs inspire and empower the youth in our community, fostering creativity and growth.

Advocate for Social Justice & Equity

Our initiatives are deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice and creating a fair and inclusive society.

Organize Workshops & Events

We organize a variety of workshops and events that cater to diverse interests and promote cultural understanding.

Support Local Artists & Authors

We proudly support and showcase local artists and authors, providing a platform to share their work with the community.

Create a Safe & Welcoming Space

Word Up Community Bookshop is a safe and welcoming space where everyone is encouraged to learn, grow, and connect.

inspire and empower

Our Programs

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Upcoming Events

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Get Involved

Support Our Work

Your donation to Word Up Community Bookshop helps us continue to provide vital resources, empowering programs, and a welcoming space for all in Washington Heights!

Supporting Word Up ensures we can keep promoting literacy, cultural diversity, and community engagement. Make a donation today!

Become a Volunteer

Join our dedicated team of volunteers at Word Up Community Bookshop and make a meaningful difference in Washington Heights!

Whether you’d like to try out a weekly shift at the store, are up for grant writing, have tech skills to share, or like working with kids, there are lots of ways to help out.

Partner with Us

We’re always interested to collaborate with schools and other community-based organizations to create impactful events and community projects that enrich the lives of our Upper Manhattan neighbors.

Together, we can foster educational growth, celebrate cultural diversity, and build a more connected community.

by the numbers

Community Impact

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Our Work

We’ve circulated over 420,000 books reflecting the interests and voices of those in our community and beyond.

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Our Reach

Tens of thousands of community members have attended our more than 2,460 diverse, multi-cultural events.

explore our curated

Book Lists

a big thank you to

Our Supporters

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