About Us
Looking for a place where stories by people of color are not just included, but centered? Where books, art, and community come together to celebrate joy, culture, and connection? Belonging Books exists for that purpose. From our early days as a pop-up to our new storefront on Main Street in Hyannis, we provide space for rest, resistance, and belonging.
Our Mission
JOY | CELEBRATION | REST | CONNECTION
Belonging Books is a community bookstore that centers the voices and stories of people of color and other underrepresented people. We create and hold space for joy, celebration, rest and connection.
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Our Story
A GATHERING PLACE
We opened our "doors" in the Spring of 2022 with a creative writing workshop for BIPOC high school students and a pop-up event at A-Way with Words, a spoken word event honoring those lost to police brutality.
At the end of 2022, Belonging Books, along with three other organizations focused on art, culture and equity, formed The Arts & Justice Collective. Through this collaboration, Belonging Books has been able to reach more people, organize joyful community gatherings, and empower and uplift our historically-excluded communities.
We continue to partner with value-aligned community organizations all across Cape Cod and offer thoughtfully-curated books all year long. Recently, we found a home - a gathering place - at 438 Main Street, Hyannis.
Whether it’s a book club, writing circle, open mic night, school program or author event, we are most proud of being able to create and hold space for people of color on the Cape — to carve out a small sanctuary.
Meet the Team
Belonging Books has grown a small, dedicated team since opening our physical location in March of 2025. We believe great work within our community begins with passionate people. Learn more about these spirited members of the Belonging Books team:
Owner & Founder
Erica Tso Haidas
Hello, I'm Erica, owner and founder of Belonging Books. I am a lover of books, food, music, travel and nature. My family is my anchor -- they keep me moving and striving to make this place our home. Read below to learn more about why I do what I do...
Website & Creative
Kai Barrows
Hi, I’m Kai, an artist, educator, and lifelong book lover! I’m passionate about the power of storytelling and visual narratives. Whether it’s stocking a new graphic novel or helping my community connect with stories that resonate, I’m thrilled to be here!
Bookseller
Erica Lee Smith
Hello! I’m 'the other' Erica you'll find here at Belonging Books. I’m a freelance writer who lives in Cotuit with my husband, my kids, and our dog, Bodhi. I’m so excited to be part of the Belonging Books team because I know firsthand the transformative power books can have, and I’m thrilled to help connect people with their next great read.
Bookeller
Evie
Hi! My name is Evie and I am a junior at Sturgis East. I love swimming at the beach and journaling, as well as sketching. I enjoy spending time organizing books, helping customers, and keeping things clean in the bookstore. I also love the environment Belonging Books creates and how comfortable I am around everyone.
Marketing Coordinator
Alexis Charles
Hi! I’m Alexis, a writer and videographer who loves building community through storytelling and art. My work focuses on accessibility, authenticity, and helping people feel seen both online and in person! Which is why l’m so excited to help share the stories, events, and community behind Belonging Books.
About Our Founder
ERICA TSO HAIDAS - Founder & Owner
I’m Erica Tso Haidas, a first-generation Chinese-Canadian who grew up in Vancouver, BC. Throughout my life, I’ve always been drawn to diverse cities—Montreal, Toronto, NYC—vibrant places where cultures and stories thrive. My career started in law in NYC, and in 2015, I moved to Cape Cod with my young family to be closer to my husband's family.
It was here that I experienced a profound sense of isolation and the feeling of being a perpetual outsider—something that felt all too familiar, yet amplified in this setting. I realized there was a need for a place where people who feel like they live in the grey spaces could gather, connect and find community.
That’s when I decided to start Belonging Books—a bookstore with the mission to center the experiences of people of color, LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented communities. A place where Cape Codders can share their stories and feel seen and heard.
