In a city that thrives on diversity and innovation, New Yorkers have come to expect more than just the ordinary from their local establishments. This is exactly what Fountain Bookshop delivers. Located at 2113 Amsterdam Avenue in Washington Heights, this charming bookstore isn’t just a place to find your next read; it’s an inviting community space that also serves delicious ice cream and refreshing sodas. The brainchild of Karah Rempe Pinto, a longtime resident and pastry chef, Fountain Bookshop embodies the spirit of New York by blending multiple experiences into one.
Pinto, who has lived in Washington Heights for nearly 17 years, is no stranger to the neighborhood’s needs. As the owner of Dutch Baby Bakery, she’s already a beloved figure known for her seasonal Southern fare. The idea for Fountain Bookshop came from her desire to contribute even more to her community. “I began thinking about what kinds of businesses our neighborhood would benefit from having and what needs weren’t being met,” Pinto shared with Time Out New York. Her passion for books and reading naturally led her to create a space where literature and community could flourish.
Celebrating Community and Culture
Fountain Bookshop is named in honor of Pinto’s grandmother, whose joyful spirit and pride in her work continue to inspire her. The store features an old-fashioned soda fountain adjacent to an ice cream counter, where customers can soon indulge in egg creams, root beer floats, and sundaes. This nostalgic element not only adds to the charm but also invites people to linger and enjoy their treats while diving into a good book.
The bookstore’s selection is impressively diverse, offering mystery, thriller, romance, and sci-fi/fantasy titles, alongside adult, YA, and children’s fiction—much of it available in Spanish. Pinto’s background as an English teacher makes her well-equipped to curate an inventory that resonates with the community. She actively seeks feedback from customers, planning to expand the offerings based on their preferences.
Additionally, Fountain Bookshop aims to foster community engagement through events like bilingual story times and author readings. These initiatives reflect Pinto’s vision of creating a “third space,” a welcoming environment where people can gather outside of home and work, especially in our increasingly digital world.
Fountain Bookshop for Everyone
In a city that thrives on literary culture, there’s always room for new bookstores—especially those that offer more than just books. Fountain Bookshop stands out as a vibrant hub for Washington Heights, combining the joys of reading with delightful treats. It’s a place where families can gather for story time, friends can enjoy ice cream after browsing the latest bestsellers, and individuals can find a cozy corner to lose themselves in a novel.
As Fountain Bookshop gears up for its opening events, the excitement in the air is palpable. The unique concept of blending a bookstore with an ice cream shop speaks to the heart of what New York is all about: creativity, community, and connection.
