Black History Month community feature: Brain Lair Books

By: Ash Hochstettler

Staff-Writer

Brain Lair Books is an independent, Black woman-owned bookstore nestled in the heart of South Bend’s Near Northwest Neighborhood. With a mission to cultivate an all-inclusive space, owner Kathy Burnette carefully curates their collection of books to highlight marginalized stories, ensuring representation and empowerment fill the business’ shelves. Their motto, proudly displayed on their website homepage, is “Uplifting Marginalized Voices.”

While Brain Lair Books primarily caters to teens and children, its doors are open to readers of all ages, inviting anyone in search of a good read and a welcoming atmosphere. Each book, puzzle, and toy within the shop is thoughtfully chosen for different audiences and you are sure to find an interesting read.

This month, Brain Lair Books’ website shines a spotlight on a rich array of literature commemorating Black History Month. Whether seeking inspiration, knowledge, or simply a captivating story, visitors to Brain Lair Books will find a fantastic assortment of literature that honors and amplifies the diverse voices and perspectives within the Black community.

Additionally, Brain Lair Books hosts several book clubs, including Fiction Addiction, Forever Young YA and Emergent Strategy Series. They also organize events such as author visits and book fairs, further contributing to the South Bend community.

You can find Brain Lair Books at 1005 Portage Ave., open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Directly next to the bookstore is The Local Cup, a pay-it-forward coffee shop, previously featured in a past edition of Sip & Study. Next time you’re in the Near Northwest Neighborhood, why not enjoy the perfect combination of a great book and a delicious cup of coffee?