“It just feels good all around to buy a book by a Black author sold by a Black woman.”
In the heart of Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, a mother-daughter duo is rewriting the story of community connection—one book at a time.
Verlean Singletary and her daughter, Courtney Woods, are the proud co-owners of Da Book Joint, a Black-owned bookstore that does more than sell books—it fosters joy, literacy, and legacy on the South Side and beyond.
“It was always my dream to open a bookstore that amplified Black stories, and that’s what I was able to do,” Singletary told CBS.
Da Book Joint offers a curated selection that spans genres—from fiction and history to children’s books and coffee table favorites. And if it’s not on the shelves? They’ll go the extra mile—literally.
“Sometimes we will go above and beyond,” Singletary shared. “I have some books in my car I have to deliver later today,” added Woods with a smile.
Their journey began in 2007 at 95th and Jeffery, but the 2009 mortgage crisis forced them online. After weathering the pandemic and spending three years at the Boxville marketplace in Bronzeville, they finally found their permanent home at 69th and Stony Island—a peaceful, welcoming space where the love of books lives front and center.
A Space for Everyone
“We want this to be a space where you can just be you,” Woods said. “You can just relax if you need a change of scenery.”
Beyond the books, Da Book Joint offers unique experiences like “Blind Date with a Book,” where mystery titles are wrapped in brown paper with only a few hints written on the outside. It’s a surprise that consistently delights.
“It’s the only blind date you’re going to be completely satisfied with,” joked Woods.
But their mission runs deeper than fun and candles. Their non-profit, Options for Literacy, is tackling the harsh reality of literacy gaps on the South Side—what Woods calls a “book desert.” The organization distributes books and activity kits to schools, hospitals, and hosts events like Books and Brunch to get kids excited about reading.
“Post-pandemic, literacy rates had dropped significantly,” Woods noted. “We knew we had to do something.”
Representation Matters
Singletary and Woods intentionally spotlight books by Black authors and stories with Black characters—especially in their children’s section.
“We’ve had kids come in the store and say, ‘Ooh mommy, look, his hair looks just like mine,’” Singletary recalled.
Built on Love—and Legacy
The energy at Da Book Joint is just as much about family as it is about books. The dynamic between Singletary and Woods is filled with mutual respect, a little humor, and a lot of love.
“Sometimes I have to differentiate between being a mother and being a partner,” Singletary admitted with a laugh.
“It’s great when you get to work with your best friend,” Woods added. “She’s my best friend.”
Woods brings the creative spark—handling merchandising and events—while Singletary manages the legal and financial backbone. Together, they’ve created something designed to last.
“I always wanted to create a business that could pass down generation to generation,” said Singletary.
Their collaborative spirit extends beyond family, too. Da Book Joint shares its storefront with Stoviink Creatives, a wellness and fragrance brand created by Tovi Khali Turner and Storie Warren-Turner. The four women first connected during their time at Boxville and now aim to support each other and their community as it continues to grow.
“We figure if we locked arms together really, really tight, we can sustain ourselves and our beautiful community,” Turner said.
Everyone Leaves With a Book
Even if a customer can’t afford to buy one, Da Book Joint ensures no one walks away empty-handed. A free book section is always stocked.
“If someone’s really interested in reading, there still will be one for them,” said Singletary.
As customer Candace Brown put it:
“It just feels good all around to buy a book by a Black author sold by a Black woman.”
With love, resilience, and purpose on every shelf, Da Book Joint isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a homegrown movement keeping the joy of reading alive on the South Side and beyond.
