People from near and far have helped Black Reserve Bookstore in Lansdale that specializes in Black literature keep its lights on during the pandemic, writes Kenny Cooper for the WHYY.

“I do believe that people’s love affair with Black literature aided me in still being open in this time period,” said Shaykh Anwar Muhammad, the owner of the store.

Muhammad decided to open his bookshop when he moved to the area and noticed a void. His original plan was to start an online bookstore but due to the lack of “Black culture in this area,” he said he opted for an actual brick-and-mortar location.

But when the pandemic started, he was forced to switch completely online. However right around the time he was scheduled to reopen, anti-racism protests started to take place nationwide. With them, came a particular interest in Black books.

As a result, Muhammad soon started selling out of books. He even got plenty of new white customers who were coming to the store with lists, looking for books like “How to Be an Antiracist” and “White Fragility.”

“Everybody wanted them,” said Muhammad.

Read more about Black Reserve Bookstore at the WHYY by clicking here.