A Literary Haven Blossoms: Introduction of the Lit. Bar
In the bustling heart of Mott Haven, the Bronx, a distinct and impactful bookstore named The Lit. Bar has made its mark, catering to the entire community. Opened on April 27th, 2019, on Independent Bookstore Day, this unique bookstore-cum-wine bar was the brainchild of Noeelle Santos, who saw the closing of the last Bronx Barnes & Noble in 2016 as a call to action.
Santos, who had never visited an independent bookstore before planning for The Lit. Bar, dedicated herself to opening her own bookstore after feeling that simply signing a petition was not enough. Her determination paid off, and she won a grant of $7,500 from NYPL's NY StartUp! Business Plan Competition.
The Lit. Bar's location was strategically chosen to address a common issue in the Bronx - everything being far away. By being easily accessible during a person's commute, The Lit. Bar offers a welcoming haven for readers.
The store's unique combination of book selling and a wine bar is a refreshing change from the traditional bookstore model. Creating a memorable and social experience is key to surviving in the expensive economy of New York City, and The Lit. Bar delivers on this front.
However, independent bookstore owners like Santos face significant challenges. Competition from dominant online booksellers like Amazon affects sales and market share, creating a difficult environment for sustaining profitability. Additionally, rising rents and operational costs, especially in urban settings like New York City, can limit their financial flexibility and threaten long-term viability.
Despite these challenges, The Lit. Bar thrives, hosting numerous readers each day in an ideal reading environment. Arianna Sheehy, secretary of the Bronx Science Book Club, believes that having a space to socialize after browsing books makes the experience more enjoyable.
Santos' dedication to The Lit. Bar is unwavering. She works tirelessly to combat the issue of distance in the Bronx, a cause she has championed throughout her career. The cost of ordering books and supplies was difficult to sustain at a local level, so The Lit. Bar's wine bar with drinks and snacks helps to reduce financial burdens.
The Lit. Bar plays an important role in the Bronx community, serving a population of 1.4 million people and fostering community engagement. It stands as a testament to Santos' commitment to preserving the cultural hub of a bookstore amidst the competitive and financial pressures of the modern world.
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