Hipocampo Children's Books

Hipocampo Children's Books is an independent, woman-owned and Latine-owned children's bookstore located at 638 South Avenue in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood. Co-owners Pamela Bailie and Henry Padrón opened the shop in April 2019, transforming a former tattoo parlor into a colorful community space with hand-built bookcases and painted murals created by local volunteers. Padrón, a retired bilingual educator from the Rochester City School District, and Bailie, active in the local Parent Teacher Association, met through their involvement with RCSD schools and shared a goal of building a multilingual, multicultural bookstore that reflects the diverse communities of western New York.

The store carries children's books for ages ranging from babies through young adults, with titles available in more than 12 languages — among them Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Creole, and Hindi. A large bilingual book section is a central part of the inventory, alongside titles exploring holidays, traditions, and customs from a variety of cultures. Beyond books, Hipocampo stocks children's toys and apparel.

Programming at the store includes free story-time sessions, children's classes, author signings, and cultural workshops — such as hands-on piñata-making led by local cultural educators. The space also serves as a community meeting spot for neighborhood organizations and offers weekend volunteer opportunities for elementary-aged children.

Hipocampo Children's Books holds a distinctive position as one of the few Latine woman-owned independent bookstores in New York State outside the New York City metro area. Its multilingual inventory and culturally grounded programming set it apart from typical children's bookshops, with a focus on stocking literature that represents the backgrounds of kids growing up in Rochester and the surrounding region.

The bookstore sits on South Avenue in the South Wedge, a walkable neighborhood just south of downtown Rochester with a mix of independent shops, restaurants, and community organizations. The South Wedge is supported by BASWA (Building a Strong Wedge Alliance), the local business association. Hipocampo is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Monday and Sunday closures. Street parking is available along South Avenue.