Take A Look Inside DeMoir Books & Things, A Black-Owned Bookstore in Downtown Memphis

By
Tyra Johnson
Share This:

DeMoir Books & Things, a Black and millennial-owned bookstore, is bringing readers to Downtown Memphis!

The bookstore offers a diverse selection of genres, including works by local authors, Black romance novels, LGBTQ+ stories, and classics such as Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God.

DeMoir Books & Things
Tyra Johnson
DeMoir Books & Things
Tyra Johnson

Nestled right by the trolley stop where Union Ave and Main St meet sits DeMoir Books & Things. The door was perched open and I was instantly greeted with the warmest welcome from Jay DeMoir, author and bookstore owner, and his two very polite sons. I didn’t get the chance to meet Diana Townsend, writer and bookstore co-manager, but she is celebrated through her bio and displayed poetry books.
 

DeMoir Books & Things
Tyra Johnson
DeMoir Books & Things
Tyra Johnson

Any veteran or amateur reader will easily find a book (or two or three) to go home with. The bookstore specializes in minority and LGBTQ+ literature, along with comics, children’s books, poetry, and more. If you’re unsure what to pick up, someone there would be more than happy to help you find the perfect read.

I definitely didn’t leave empty handed! Jay recommended a cheeky, urban romance novel titled Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. I’M HOOKED! It’s such a fun and captivating book. So Jay, if you’re reading this, thank you ten-fold!
 

DeMoir Books & Things
Tyra Johnson
DeMoir Books & Things
Tyra Johnson

With book prices starting as low as $1, and many used adult and young adult titles under $10, DeMoir Books & Things offers affordable reading options for everyone. Stay updated on special sales and announcements by following them on Instagram and Facebook—you won’t want to miss out!

DeMoir Books & Things
Tyra Johnson

GO THERE

DeMoir Books & Things
55 S Main Street
https://demoir-books.square.site/

HOURS

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

portrait of Tyra Johnson

About the Author

Hey there! I’m Tyra Johnson, writer and content creator for the I Love Memphis Blog. I'm a Memphis native and after a few years away, I'm back home. I love art, good eats, and live music. Join me in reclaiming my passion for Memphis, mane.

Why do you love Memphis:

Memphis has so much personality-- the people, food, music-- it just all feels good! We have so much to be proud of when speaking about the city. Also, I'm big on memories, and most of my core memories involve Memphis.

What's on your Memphis playlist?

Stay Fly by Three 6 Mafia. It's the PERFECT hype song!

Comments Make Us Happy

3
Leave a Comment
The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
About text formats
Pat

I’m coming to Memphis the week of July 4. My daughter is the author of a very banned book called Out of Darkness and I love to read—so bookstores are my passion. Are you open the week of the fourth? 

June 24, 2024 6:27pm
Tony Nichelson

Great concept, Best of success! See you soon, tn    

May 5, 2025 9:17pm
Darryl Harvey

Hello,

My name is Darryl Harvey and I am the director of the Black Child Book Fair. Our fourth annual event is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th at the Benjamin Hooks Library. Tables are available for children's authors or black owned stores with children's books. To register go to:  Https://Blackchildbookfair.com/events.

Sincerely,

Darryl Harvey, Director

Black Child Book Fair

September 21, 2025 7:40pm

You Might Also Like