July 9th 2024.
Renowned author Maura Cheeks has recently unveiled her latest venture in the bustling city of Brooklyn, New York - Liz's Book Bar. This charming bookstore offers not only a selection of captivating reads, but also a variety of delicious beverages from coffee to beer and wine. As a Black-owned establishment nestled in the vibrant Carroll Gardens neighborhood, Liz's Book Bar serves as a space for book enthusiasts and wine lovers alike to come together and connect. For Cheeks, this business venture is a tribute to her childhood and her grandmother, Elizabeth Parker, who inspired the name.
Brooklyn Magazine had the pleasure of speaking with Cheeks, who shared, "We were always frequenting bookstores when I was younger. My grandmother would always hand me a thick book to read, and she is a big reason why I became a writer. So, it just felt like the perfect way to honor her legacy." As an avid reader and writer herself, Cheeks recently released her debut novel, Acts of Forgiveness. The story delves into the fictional Forgiveness Act in Philadelphia, which offers reparations to Black families. Some may see Cheeks' new bookstore as her way of reclaiming reparations in her own way.
When asked about her vision for Liz's Book Bar, Cheeks expressed her desire for it to be a public space where people can come together, connect with others, and simply hang out. "I wanted to create a place that's not home or work, where people can feel comfortable spending their time. It's something that I believe is really important," she shared. It has been a long journey for Cheeks to bring her vision to life, as she left her marketing job in 2019 to work at the Book Club Bar in Manhattan, gaining valuable insights for her own establishment.
What sets Liz's Book Bar apart is its focus on community-building and staying true to the owner's personal history. Cheeks is not interested in stocking the latest releases, but rather wants her customers to rediscover their love for books, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand. "We're not putting emphasis on the newest releases," Cheeks revealed. "I would love for people to discover old books that they may have missed out on before."
The popularity of Liz's Book Bar has not gone unnoticed by its patrons, who appreciate supporting a Black-owned establishment with good intentions. Brooklyn resident Alysha Hall shared, "I came across a post on Instagram and I was like, 'Black-owned, woman-owned bookstore? Done and done.' We're losing small businesses left and right, so it's nice to be able to support an establishment that promotes reading and learning, and is owned by someone who may face more challenges. It was a no-brainer for us - we will definitely be coming back often."
In a world where small businesses are struggling to survive, Liz's Book Bar stands out as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community. By honoring the humanity of Black children through her writing and now through her bookstore, Cheeks is making a positive impact and creating a space where people can come together, learn, and grow.
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