Read All About It: Detroit's Booming Literary Scene

Story by Matt Homrich-Knieling

Discover the people and places shaping one of the Midwest’s most diverse book scenes.

Detroit has long been a city that makes things: cars, music, movements. But there's another creative tradition running just as deep: the literary world. From Black poets who helped define American literature to a new generation of independent bookstores creating spaces for books and community, Detroit's literary scene is thriving, and it's well worth exploring!

A Rich History of Writers and Thinkers

Detroit is home to writers and poets who’ve made tremendous contributions to the broader literary world. Among them is Dudley Randall, a Black poet and publisher who, in 1965, founded Broadside Press. What began as a way to publish his own poems turned into a press that published the work of esteemed Black Arts Movement poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Nikki Giovanni, Audre Lorde, and more. Randall's success as a publisher of African American poets earned him the title "father of the black poetry movement," and in 1985, Mayor Coleman Young named him Detroit's first poet laureate.

Importantly, Randall wasn't alone. Naomi Long Madgett, known as "the godmother of African American poetry," moved to Detroit in 1946 and went on to found Lotus Press in 1974, publishing poetry collections primarily by Black writers. She also created the first accredited courses in African American literature and creative writing in the Detroit Public Schools and served as the city's poet laureate from 2001 until her passing in 2020.

Joyce Carol Oates, too, contributed to the literary scene in Detroit, living in the city throughout the 1960s and teaching creative writing at the University of Detroit (now UD Mercy).

Literary Landmarks Worth Visiting

Detroit’s literary history isn’t only found on pages, but in longstanding institutions that promote the ongoing legacy of literary advancement and community.

Detroit Public Library, Main Branch

Designed by architect Cass Gilbert and partially funded by a gift from Andrew Carnegie, the Italian Renaissance-style main branch opened in 1921. The building itself remains stunning marble floors, massive murals, and a grandeur that makes every visit feel special. The Detroit Public Library system holds over 7.5 million volumes and offers everything from rare archival collections to thousands of community events each year. A visit to the main branch alone is worth the trip.

Photo Credit: Sara Srinivasan

University of Detroit Mercy, McNichols Campus Library

In 2001, Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus Library was designated as a National Literary Landmark in honor of Dudley Randall's many contributions as a poet, publisher, and librarian. The official plaque is located in the Bargman Room on the second floor, and the library's Special Collections hold Randall's papers and books reflecting his work with Broadside Press.

John K. King Used & Rare Books 901 W. Lafayette Blvd.

John K. King Used & Rare Books is a four-story downtown building housing an estimated one million (no exaggeration!) books. A meandering archive of rare finds, out-of-print titles, and books of all genres, this isn’t an ordinary bookstore. It’s a unique experience for book lovers, collectors, and aficionados to delight in the smell of old books and the company of historied stories.

A New Wave of Independent Bookstores

Following the nation-wide trend, Detroit has seen a proliferation in independent bookstores across the city, each one with its own unique identity, niche, and aesthetic.

27th Letter Books

Located in southwest Detroit, 27th Letter Books opened in 2021, inspired by the concept of books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors: the idea that literature can offer a reflection of readers' own experiences and a glimpse into others’ worlds. A beautiful space with exposed brick walls and warm wooden floors, the store often hosts book discussions, film screenings, live music, and open mic nights. And if you’re into music, Ginkgo Records, a record store with new and used vinyl's, is located in the basement.

Next Chapter Books

Co-owners Sarah and Jay Williams opened Next Chapter Books on the city’s east side in 2023 as a community-centered space for booklovers to learn and be in community with others. Valuing accessibility and diversity, Next Chapter Books sells both new and gently used books and emphasizes both local and historically underrepresented writers. Stop in to check out their great collection and stay for whatever's on the events calendar!

Howard Family Bookstore

Howard Family Bookstores comes with an inspiring origin story: 26-year-old Jerjuan Howard transformed a long-abandoned building on Puritan Avenue, a building he passed every day on his walk to school, into the Howard Family Bookstore, a hub for books, coffee, and connection. A true third space, Howard Family Bookstore is more than just a place to gather; it’s a powerful reminder of how communities can transform themselves. The grand opening was in April 2026, and it’s already a beloved staple in the city’s literary scene.

Vesper Books & Wine: Core City

For the book lover who also appreciates a high-quality glass of wine, Vesper is the spot. Co-owners Symantha Duggan and Rob Wilson opened Vesper in Core City, with a bookstore side focused on cookbooks and beverage books, alongside a bar offering sustainable wines, small plates, and snacks. If you’re looking to improve your cooking skills or beef up your wine knowledge, Vesper hosts regular wine and book clubs for just that.

Mark Your Calendar

Detroit doesn't just love books, it celebrates them. Here are a few recurring events to plan around.

Detroit Public Library Author Series

The Author Series Committee at the Detroit Public Library hosts free in-person and virtual engagements with renowned authors. Recent events have brought celebrated writers, journalists, and scholars to the main branch for conversations about memoir, history, poetry, and social justice — always free and open to the public. Check the DPL website for upcoming events.

Detroit Zine Fest

Detroit Zine Fest is an annual event hosted every spring where zine creators and enthusiasts come together to network, support one another, and bring the zine community to a wider audience. Zines are self-published booklets covering everything from fine art and politics to DIY, instructional guides, and personal diaries, making them an accessible way for creatives of all backgrounds to share their work on their own terms.

Detroit Festival of Books

The Detroit Festival of Books was first held in 2017 at Eastern Market, attracting 10,000 people with hundreds of vendors selling books, comics, vinyl records, and art. It's since grown into an annual weekend celebration that takes place every July. As the state’s largest book festival, Detroit Festival of Books promotes the joy of reading and the deep culture surrounding it. Whether you’re looking to add more books to your shelves or connect with other book worms, this is an event you don’t want to miss.

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Author

Matthew Homrich-Knieling
Matt Homrich-Knieling is a freelance and creative writer living in Southwest Detroit. A former teacher in Detroit, Matt is now a stay-at-home parent. When he’s not changing diapers or writing, Matt enjoys spending time on Belle Isle, gardening, and going on walks or bike rides. Find Matt on Instagram at @mattymarvwrites.

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