The World’s Borough Bookshop
Adrian Cepeda
www.theworldsboroughbookshop.com
Founder Adrian Cepeda aka BookPapi on TikTok, grew up in Jackson Heights. As a child, his mother would take him to a Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Forest Hills where she let him select one book. Thus, his love for books and literature commenced at very young age. As a young man he saw the need for a bookstore in his own, very diverse neighborhood. At a time when the common wisdom was that independent book were dying, Adrian believed otherwise. With that in mind he charged forward with a plan. Working with QEDC business counselors he entered the Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge in the hope of winning a grant that he would use to open his shop. Though he did not succeed in his first try, he worked hard and reformulated his plan that helped win in the Community category the next year.
In summer 2023 the World’s Borough Bookshop opened its doors – the line was around the corner! It’s books and products reflect the Borough of Queens – the world’s most diverse community. Special emphasis is given to promote books by BIPOC authors. Adrian notes that his store’s slogan is “Para y por communidad,” (“for and by the community”).
It is become a centerpiece for literary and intellectual life not just in Queens but for the entire city. Almost every week there are author readings, panels and programming that include street events promoting local artists and craftspeople.
World’s Borough Bookshop is now a landmark in the community and Adrian has proven that independent businesses can not only make it, but thrive.