Issue 24: Celebrating Community and Creating Social Impact with Adrian Cepeda
"This bookstore is the epitome of Queens" - an online commentator
Hi KP community!
I'm delighted for you to meet Adrian Cepeda, a bookstore owner who is truly a superhero in disguise. Adrian's superpower lies in his passion, dedication, and love for his neighborhood and community. The World Borough Bookshop in Jackson Heights, Queens, is a magical sanctuary and a playground for everyone to feel welcomed, safe, relaxed, and joyous. The store is filled with books, zines, arts, and all kinds of gift items by BIPOC creators and local vendors. Various workshops, book events, art fairs, and markets indoors and outdoors are held here, making the store a gathering place for the community. People gather here and get to know one another. People gather here to plan for more things to gather for. Please welcome Adrian, as he will welcome you so warmly as you step into his bookstore.
Flavor of the Week: KP Q&A with Adrian Cepeda
Adrian Cepeda was born and raised in Queens. He studied literature at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (GO CUNY). He is the owner of The World’s Borough Bookshop in Queens NY, the only Ecuadorian-owned bookstore in Queens, and the only shop that solely sells and amplifies BIPOC voices and creatives. He also makes TikTok videos recommending books. Many know him as an influencer Book Papi, but he just loves talking about books! Find more about him at TikTok @bookpapi or at Instagram @theworldsboroughbookshop. You can also keep track of all the amazing events happenings at The World’s Borough Bookshop by subscribing their newsletter.
Introduce yourself more personally in 2-3 sentences.
My favorite book is One Hundred Years of Solitude - it is the best book ever and a masterclass of magical realism. Gabriel Garcia Marquez is also my favorite author. I love anime and manga - they are my favorite things to watch. The stories are always so compelling.
Where are you from?
Queens!
No, where are you REALLY from? (Haha!)
Jackson Heights is the best neighborhood ever and the most diverse in NYC. My family roots originate from Ecuador.
What’s your sign?
Leo (Roar!)
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Well Read, Funny, Mr. Community (as said by others)
What do you love about your multi-generational immigrant experience?
My mom was born in Queens but my dad, who passed away when I was young, was from Ecuador. So it feels amazing to have opened my bookstore in Queens where I grew up but also where we have a huge Ecuadorian and immigrant population.
And of course, what are your favorite Korean foods?
Korean Fried Chicken with a side of rice of course !
What was your childhood like and what has it taught you?
My childhood was amazing, filled with books and fun. I was always running around playing baseball, riding my bike and of course reading more books.
Can you share something exciting that you’re working on now?
As I am writing this I am working on painting a wall in the bookshop! And also working on planning for a Queens Book Festival next year.
What do people underestimate about you?
How much I care about Queens. This community has done so much for me and there are so many diverse stories and people here that I want to give back and them a place to cultivate their voices.
Share your proudest moment in the past year.
I opened my bookstore, The World’s Borough bookshop in Jackson Heights, NY. The first of its kind and the first that only sells and amplifies BIPOC authors and creatives.
What was your hardest moment in the past year?
Building the store to open! For someone who was never described as “handy,” putting up shelves all over the store, measuring and using a level for the first time were the hardest part of the year.
We’ve all been hurt in some form or fashion. What are you healing from?
I am healing from not seeing myself reflected in books. This entire venture is a form of healing and a mission of making sure my daughter and other kids see themselves in books.
How do you love yourself?
Spending time with my daughter - reading, playing video games, or going to Tangram Mall in Flushing and going on a shopping spree.
How do you love others?
By creating space for them and their interests, and building a community of like-minded people.
What five things can you not live without?
My Daughter, My pup, books, books, books.
What’s your favorite dance song?
Any and all Pitbull songs
What’s your favorite kind of pie?
Blueberry Pie
This Q&A was filled out online and edited for length and clarity.
H Mart Happiness: What’s your favorite product and why?
“I am one of those who got hooked when these viral videos going around online eating super spicy buldak ramyun. My mouth is on fire but I love it. This is my stress reliever.” - Sion S.
What’s your favorite H Mart product? Share the love and leave a comment!
Crispy Crust: A Touch of Jeong - Uplifting illustrations that deligh
What summer activities are you looking forward to?
Love, Aram
Korean School: Summer Break 여름방학
Fun facts, idioms, translations and history
The word 여름방학 (yeo-rum-bang-hak) refers to the summer break and carries a cheerful tone. 여름 (yeo-rum) means the summer, and 방학 (bang-hak) means a school break. In Korea, the summer break for elementary schools through high schools typically starts around mid to late July and lasts for about 4-6 weeks. College summer breaks are longer, often lasting from June through August. Though summer break is often used to catch up on school work, prepare for the upcoming new semesters, and attend hagwons (private educational institutions), and for college students to find part-time jobs or internships, it is time to recharge, rest, and catch up on sleep. For adults who are not in the educational system, the word summer vacation 여름휴가 (yeo-rum-hue-ga) is used.
Sweet & Salty: A list of the tastiest treats satisfying all the senses
Pilas Café only opens on weekends at World Borough Bookshop, so don’t miss out if you are in the neighborhood. Run by the friendliest local barista Ellie, this is the only café where I ask for a recommendation instead of ordering what I already know. Ellie asks your preferences on sweetness, caffeine, and milk, so you get a perfectly catered beverage to sip while browsing the books and chatting with fellow book lovers!
Are you a fan of Modern Love essays in the New York Times? Have you ever dreamed of publishing one but didn’t know where to start? You’re in luck! The master’s series on Writing the Modern Love Essay is available online for July, featuring our very own Susan Yoon who will be teaching alongside other great writers and editors.
Do you love making things with your hands? BLUE, The TATTER Textile Library in Brooklyn, NY, where I am dying to visit in person, offers many online courses for sewing, embroidering, dying, quilting, and more. I took their three-week botanical embroidery class which I enjoyed immensely (and I am a total newbie), and I am looking forward to trying more classes.