About Us.
Baldwin & Co. is a black-owned independent bookstore serving individuals, schools, businesses, nonprofits and more using the power of books to inspire social justice. Baldwin & Co. donates hundreds of books, foods, beverages and more to impoverished communities. Our mission is to inspire growth in people and communities through the power of reading. Based in New Orleans’ historic Marigny neighborhood, Baldwin & Co. is a vibrant community hub, and a center for intellectual discovery where authors, readers, artists and activists gather in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Our Values.
Baldwin & Co. works to expand literacy and promote discourse among all members of the community. We bring writers and thought leaders at the forefront of social justice to Baldwin & Co. for author talks that inspire young readers to become the leaders of tomorrow. There’s no better way to foster intellectual growth than through books and literature, and Baldwin & Co. believes the success of every individual begins with a volume in hand.
Our Mission.
Baldwin & Co. aims to promote and teach the ability to read, view, write, design, speak and listen in a way that allows people to communicate effectively and to create better opportunities for themselves and family. We use a methodology with documented success based on research by professionals in the field to teach kids reading, build confidence and reinforce learning. We host free community events connecting authors + readers of all ages to celebrate the literary arts! We provide free books, foods, beverages and author talks to attendees. Lacking basic reading and writing skills is a tremendous disadvantage. Literacy not only enriches an individual's life, but it also creates opportunities for people to develop skills that will help them provide for themselves and their family. Baldwin & Co. mission to improve literacy to improve the world.
Our Community Services.
Baldwin & Co. is a valued community partner that believes in giving back. Baldwin & Co. host quarterly book festivals where we give away hundreds of books for free, free food, free drinks, free live performances to the community. Baldwin & Co. serves as a safe space for kids after school, a tutoring center, or an enjoyable place for friends to pass a Saturday afternoon. We are a cornerstone of the new urban infrastructure, helping strengthen the social and economic fabric of the communities we serve. Choosing Baldwin & Co. generates 3x as much economic benefit for your community versus shopping at a chain, and an incalculable benefit versus buying online. We look forward to partnering with you.
Developing Economic Equity.
Baldwin & Co. is creating meaningful social change across the country by developing and implementing programs that address education, income and employment disparities in Black communities. Baldwin & Co. is committed to drive economic opportunities in the Black community by creating programs that generate successful transitions from school to meaningful employment opportunities for Black youth.
Our Community Investment.
Baldwin & Co. aligns with the Baldwin & Co. Foundation. The Baldwin & Co. Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the fight against poverty, using the power of books and education to combat crime, improving the economy and creating economic empowerment for Black youth. Baldwin & Co. Foundation works to break the pipeline to prison. Currently only 34% New Orleans' third graders are reading on grade level. Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of the 4th grade will end up in jail or on welfare. 85% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate. According to the National Adult Literacy Survey. 70% of all incarcerated adults cannot read at a 4th grade level. If you would like to be a community partner and aid us in our efforts, please email us below.
We Supply Books in Bulk.
Do you need 50+ books delivered to you? Baldwin & Co. can fulfill bulk book orders anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. We supply new books to schools, businesses, and other organizations, and can provide specialized shipments to clubs and individuals. Our online quotation and ordering system is quick and convenient. We can discount and provide free ground shipping for qualified bulk orders.
Looking for greater curriculum diversity? We know it can be challenging to teach full time while also trying to discover new books. Baldwin & Co. can supplement your curriculum with culturally relevant selections that center the contributions all races and ethnicities have made to a diverse immigrant nation.
As voracious readers with kids of our own, we follow what’s popular with young people, and can advise on appropriate and culturally connected readings for different grade levels. We can suggest books for your curriculum, book club, or read-aloud that you’ll want to teach and kids will want to read. We're passionate about the power of books to awaken imaginations and improve language skills.
Expanding Literacy.
Baldwin & Co. works to expand literacy and promote discourse among all members of the community. There’s no better way to foster intellectual growth than through books and literature. Baldwin & Co. believes the success of every individual begins with a book in hand. Inspired by James Baldwin, we work to eradicate the root causes of poverty, eliminate discrimination, increase access to opportunity, and combat the racism that underlies inequity. Through the power of books, we are increasing individuals' ability to improve their lives and achieve economic independence.
Using books for social justice reform.
Baldwin & Co. is dedicated to using the power of books to end mass incarceration and provide better opportunities for people. Over 70% of incarcerated individuals read below a 4th grade, grade level. We believe education is the most powerful weapon one can possess and we aim to provide accessible educational tools to all persons.
Our Children’s Storytime.
Reading and sharing stories can: help your child get to know sounds, words and language, and develop early literacy skills. learn to value books and stories. spark your child's imagination and stimulate curiosity.
