EMW Bookstore

EMW (East Meets West) Bookstore is a community-oriented space and resource for peoples from marginalized identities to pursue our creative visions. Founded in 1998 as a Chinese-language bookstore, it was later revitalized in 2004 as a hub of art and activism. Through creative and cultural work in arts & technology, EMW’s mission is to affirm, celebrate, and work in solidarity with marginalized communities to facilitate creativity and education, safety and wellbeing, and capacity-building toward a more liberatory world.

Located in Central Square, EMW Bookstore hosts numerous art gallery programs, bioengineering workshops, beat nights, and open mics—including one of the longest running Asian American open mic night series in the country, “East Meets Words.” This open mic regularly brings together creative and socially conscious minds to share spoken word that aims to challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices. These programs are at the core of EMW Bookstore’s mission and vision to expand the concept of family to our immediate community and greater society.