Fields Corner has welcomed a new independent bookstore just in time for the holidays. Called Just Book-ish, the store was created by Boston’s poet laureate, Porsha Olayiwola, and Bing Broderick, former director of Haley House. The bookstore aims to be more than a place to buy books—it seeks to be a community gathering space and a hub for learning.
The store’s tagline, “culturally curated, radically influenced, locally inspired,” reflects its mission. Just Book-ish offers a carefully selected collection of books designed to represent the diverse community of Fields Corner. Olayiwola highlighted that the store features books that reflect the identities of African American, Haitian, Dominican, and Vietnamese populations in the area.
“I think it’s about creating a space where people who have been historically marginalized can see themselves in the literary world,” Olayiwola said. “We also want to be locally inspired, responding to the needs of our community.”
The bookstore’s inclusive approach extends to its events and culinary offerings. Just Book-ish will host a variety of programs, including author talks, reading parties, youth open-mic nights, and tea tastings. The store will remain open until 7 p.m. most evenings, providing a welcoming space for the neighborhood after work and school.
Olayiwola is nearing the end of her six-year term as Boston’s poet laureate, and she plans to continue promoting poetry and literature through Just Book-ish and her new role as an assistant professor of poetry at Emerson College.
“I think it’s important to keep providing space for local and national poets to connect with our city,” Olayiwola said.
The poetry section at Just Book-ish is notably larger than that of most bookstores, reflecting the store’s literary focus.
Culinary director Tamika R. Francis, known for her work with the organization Food & Folklore, runs the store’s café. Currently, the café serves coffee, tea, and empanadas, with plans to expand the menu to include a rotating selection of cultural hand pies. Francis will also lead food-related programming and is working to acquire a beer and wine license for the future.
Olayiwola hopes Just Book-ish will offer a space for connection during challenging social and political times.
“It’s crucial to create places where people can gather, share ideas, and engage across different identities,” she said. “In a world where books are being banned and voices are silenced, we want to nurture and foster ideas that can be shared across communities.”
