MILWAUKEE -- Reader's Choice, Milwaukee's only black-owned bookstore, will shut its doors after nearly three decades in business upon the retirement of its owner.
For the past 28 years, the store, 1950 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, has promoted the works of African-American writers and has served as a venue for book fairs, community dialogues and events featuring acclaimed authors. According to a news release, owner Carla Allison is retiring and will close the store located in the Brewers Hill area.
To commemorate its history, the business will hold a closing celebration and liquidation sale this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature a conversation with Allison, who will be interviewed by local artist Fidel Verdin. The Milwaukee writer Pastor Lovelace Redmond also will be in attendance to discuss his book “Demons Gone Crazy.”
Reader's Choice stocks contemporary books, classic literature, children’s books, calendars, greeting cards and Greek paraphernalia, among other merchandise.
“Reader's Choice has been imbedded into the fabric of the community for more than a generation, and Ms. Allison's commitment to literacy and promotion of African-American writers is unparalleled and will be sorely missed,” said Ald. Milele Coggs, who represents the district where the bookstore is located, in a statement.
