These days, locally-owned bookstores are rare gems, and there is one on the Historic Westside. The Multicultural Bookstore is located at 2027 Revere St.
Tamara Shiloh and Carol Santiago co-founded the bookstore and November marks its one-year anniversary. The bookstore features works from a number of local authors. Every few months, the store hosts an event called The Authors Social Fun Affair where local authors take the floor. It is a gathering where authors, "can learn things they may not have thought of – what they need to be successful,” Shiloh said.
Local Author Sabrina Hughes has been featured in the bookstore. She’s the founder and lead author of Sabrebre Baby’s Brown Book Publishing Company. Her books highlight black and brown communities within the children’s book genre.
“Hearing our voices and being seen is so important,” Hughes said.
Shiloh is a children’s book author herself, known for her historical fiction chapter book series, “Just Imagine…What If There Were No Black People In The World.” The series highlights the contributions of African American inventors, scientists and other notable black people in history.
Her colleague and bookstore co-founder, Carol Santiago, is an educator of more than 30 years. She has focused her work in curriculum development and literacy efforts supporting children.
“The goal is to identify (local authors) and bring them into the schools," Santiago said. "(The kids) may see someone walking down the street and say, ‘Oh…I know that author’."
Hughes can attest to that support and hard work.
“I’ve had the pleasure to sell out in the bookstore, showing there is a need for our voices and representation, and it brings me joy that my mission is fruitful,” Hughes said.
To learn more visit www.multiculturalbookstorelasvegas.com.