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Borí Books & Café Takes Its Vision on the Road With NYC Pop-Ups
- Damian Ali
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Founder Rafiana Martinez of Borí Books & Café: Image Courtesy of Borí Books & Café
Borí Books & Café is not waiting for a brick-and-mortar location to begin its work. Instead, the Harlem-based literary project is bringing its vision directly to the community through pop-ups across New York City.
Founded by poet and educator Rafiana Martinez, Borí Books & Café is building a cultural space rooted in books, community, and Boricua soul. While plans for a permanent home continue, the mission is already in motion, showing up at local markets, cultural festivals, and author spotlights that center stories often overlooked by traditional bookstores.
This Saturday, Borí Books & Café will host a Self-Published Author Spotlight at La Marqueta, featuring New York City poet Jasmine Gonzalez and her poetry collection Petals of the Red Dahlia.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Self-Published Author Spotlight
3 PM – 7 PM
La Marqueta, 115th Street and Park Avenue
In collaboration with Cocotazo Catering, the event will bring together books, food, and community, with attendees invited to meet the author, purchase signed copies, and learn more about Borí Books' growing literary movement.
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Author of Petals of the Red Dahlia Jasmine Gonzalez: Image Courtesy of Borí Books & Café
Petals of the Red Dahlia is a poetry collection shaped by personal experience, exploring mental, physical, and emotional health through vivid imagery and honest reflection. Gonzalez has described poetry as a way to reclaim control and heal out loud, a theme that closely aligns with Borí Books & Café’s commitment to creating space for authentic voices.
Borí Books & Café will continue its pop-up run on Sunday with two appearances in Brooklyn, expanding its reach and connecting with new audiences across the city.
Sunday, Dec. 14
9 AM–12 PM
603 Hart Street, Brooklyn
1–6 PM
Crystal Lake, 647 Grand Street, Brooklyn
These appearances reflect Borí’s citywide approach, meeting readers and creators where they are while building momentum toward a future permanent space.
Community members can support the mission by attending events, purchasing books, and spreading the word as Borí Books & Café continues bringing its vision to life, one pop-up at a time.
TalkTeaV will continue its coverage of Borí Books & Café with an upcoming Spotlight on founder Rafiana Martinez, which will take a closer look at the vision behind the project. Check back this weekend for Part One.
Follow/Support:
Borí Books & Café: @boribooksandcafe
Help Fund Borí Books & Café
Cocotazo Catering: @cocotazocateringllc
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