Housing Works Bookstore Café in New York was originally founded by Housing Works, Inc.—an organization that serves the community affected by HIV/AIDS—to “engage with the community,” writes Molly Rose Quinn, Director of Public Programming, at Lit Hub.

However, over the years, the bookstore has morphed into another cultural institution offering literary events, she said. “We now present public programming most weeknights, bringing in hundreds of New Yorkers into our space to educate them about our mission and share great books and culture with them.”

Indeed, recent events at Housing Works have included appearances by Cheryl Strayed and Tavi Gevinson.

“I think we bring new meaning and new life to the idea of a bookstore being a community space,” Quinn added in an interview with Lit Hub.

“When we get to do concerts and comedy shows and such, some of those folks never even go to bookstores, but we lure them in with nightlife and beer.... And my favorite thing is spying on some of my favorite authors when they come to write in the café during the day.”

Rebecca Merrill, a Housing Works bookseller, said that customers feel good about shopping at Housing Works “knowing that the purchase supports a great cause.”

“In buying books, they join our community and that creates a culture of a bunch of people who are about to become friends rather than one of a traditional service industry.”

Take a look at Housing Works’ staff reading recommendations at Lit Hub!

Photo Credit: Housing Works, Inc.