Books and Crannies is a Black Owned Independent Bookstore in Uptown Martinsville started by Deshanta Hairston. The Bookstore officially opened its doors in September 2016 after Hairston became a recipient of the 2016 Startup Martinsville program. As a result, she won over $12,000 to start her own business.

Books and Crannies Owner, Deshanta Hairston. Photo cortesy of Martinsville Bulletin.

A Book Lover with a passion for writing, the mum of two is a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing Graduate from the University of Old Dominion. Books and Crannies is further described as a General Interest/Literary bookstore stocking on Fiction, Nonfiction, Kidlit and a variety of other titles. Furthermore, the bookstore has the ability to order any books still in publication.

Worth noting is the used book section featuring $1 paperbacks and $3 hardbacks. Visitors to the store have access to self-served coffee available via a keurig. Complimentary water is also offered. And in a bid to promote and celebrate literature within the community, the bookstore hosts an array of events through the year such as;

• children’s readings
• open mic poetry and
• book signings featuring local and regional authors.

On June 2nd 2020, with the ongoing George Floyd Protests in the US and a growing need to highlight black owned businesses, Hairston tweeted;

Can you imagine, I refrained from putting black owned in my bio for years in fear of losing out on potential white customers? Well I am indeed black and this is my store and I will be screaming it from the mountain tops moving forward 🗣🗣🗣

— Black Owned Bookstore (@BooksNCrannies_) June 2, 2020

Unbeknownst to her, the tweet would quickly attract so much deserved attention ultimately translating into more online orders. This renewed interest is indeed a blessing in disguise for the thriving bookstore. The Covid-19 pandemic notwithstanding, Books and Crannies is still operational with adjusted hours. The store currently opens every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am-4pm.

See also Black Coffee Lounge