ShopWashington HeightsAudubon / W 165th St
Word Up Community Bookshop
A community bookshop with a real events calendar; plan around its short hours before making a special trip.
2113 Amsterdam AveAmsterdam Ave & W 165th St
What it is
Word Up Community Bookshop, also named Librería Comunitaria on its website, is at 2113 Amsterdam Ave, on the corner of W 165th St. The shop’s site lists a second space, Recirculation, a project of Word Up, at 876 Riverside Drive on the corner of W 160th St, which keeps separate hours.
Who it’s for
Readers who want a neighborhood bookshop with a community focus and anyone interested in author events. The website lists upcoming programs at Recirculation, including a Coltrane 100th-celebration event on November 17, 2026, and an author reading on immigrant detention.
Standout details
The bookshop’s site describes a masking policy: masks are required for staff and volunteers on shift and encouraged for visitors, with air purifiers running and options for appointments in a fully masked environment. Store hours are Tuesday and Wednesday noon to 8pm and Thursday through Saturday noon to 6pm; it is closed Sunday and Monday.
Honest verdict
A strong neighborhood institution for browsing and events, but the short opening schedule means it is easy to miss. Stock details beyond what the site says are not verified here, so check the website’s event pages if you are going for a specific reading.