The World’s Borough Bookshop, located in the heart of Jackson Heights, has quickly become a cultural hub, offering a vibrant, multicultural space for writers and readers.
Since opening in 2023 at 34-06 73rd St., it has played a key role in the borough’s diverse literary scene, providing an inclusive platform for voices across the community.
Adrian Cepeda, a young Ecuadorian entrepreneur, fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening The World’s Borough Bookshop. As the first bookstore in Queens designed to reflect the borough’s cultural diversity, it quickly became a symbol of community and identity in Jackson Heights, where 64.4% of the population is Hispanic, according to the NYU Furman Center. The store’s motto, “For and by the community,” encapsulates its mission to represent the myriad groups contributing to Queens’ multicultural fabric.
A remarkable opportunity came in 2024 when the bookstore was selected to be featured in the Queens edition of the iconic Monopoly board game. The special edition launched on Oct. 5, highlights Queens County’s unique character with customized cards and tokens celebrating the borough’s rich diversity.
Cepeda initially thought the invitation to participate in the project was a joke, but he quickly recognized its significance. “When I saw examples of other editions, I knew it would be something very special for our community,” he said.
The Queens edition of Monopoly not only honors the district’s culture and history but also gives local businesses like The World’s Borough Bookshop a unique platform to reach new audiences. “It’s amazing that those who don’t know me and love Queens as much as I do can find me on the board, but also that the community that already knows me can see their bookstore represented in this game,” Cepeda remarked.
The retail sector in Queens has grown steadily in recent years. A 2017 report from the New York State Comptroller’s office showed that there were approximately 52,100 businesses in Queens, with 15% in the retail sector. As part of this growth, Cepeda hopes the bookstore’s inclusion in Monopoly will not only boost business but also strengthen its connection to the community.
With the increased visibility brought by its presence in such an iconic game, Cepeda sees this as an opportunity to reach even more people. “It will be interesting for people to discover if this bookstore is real, search for it online, and then visit us,” he said.
