Wolfe & Kron Books: A Queer-Owned Bookstore in Asbury Park, NJ Centered on Community, Access, and Storytelling

Location: Uptown Asbury Park, New Jersey
Owner: Alexis “Fin” Finch
Opened: March 2023

Wolfe & Kron Books is an independent, woman- and queer-owned bookstore in Uptown Asbury Park, NJ, created as a welcoming space for readers to discover books, connect with community, and see themselves reflected on the shelves.

What began as a small 20×10 ft stall inside a flea market has grown into a full storefront in the heart of Asbury Park’s LGBTQ+ community. Located next to Georgies—one of New Jersey’s most iconic queer spaces—Wolfe & Kron Books has quickly become a trusted destination for LGBTQ+ literature, speculative fiction, and thoughtfully curated gifts by queer artists.

 

The Story Behind Wolfe & Kron Books

Wolfe & Kron Books was founded by Alexis Finch—known to most as Fin—whose lifelong love of books shaped both the store’s mission and its name. The bookstore honors Fin’s grandmother and great-grandmother, both devoted readers who believed deeply in the importance of books as tools for learning, imagination, and survival.

Fin grew up surrounded by books, librarians, and used bookstores, often frustrated by what mainstream “general interest” bookstores chose to stock—and what they left out. Many authors she loved had gone out of print or were never reprinted at all. Wolfe & Kron began as a used bookstore with a clear goal: make meaningful, overlooked books accessible and affordable, while resurfacing authors and stories that deserved more space.

As the store evolved, Fin realized that to truly support the kinds of books she wanted readers to find, Wolfe & Kron needed to stock both used and new titles. Today, the shop is known for its strong focus on LGBTQ+ and BIPoC authors, particularly within speculative fiction—a genre that asks the question, “What if?”

Why Visibility and Pride Matter in Business

For Wolfe & Kron Books, being visibly queer-friendly is not about aesthetics—it’s about safety, clarity, and intention.

“Identity is complicated, and it’s not always something you can see,” Fin explains. A Pride flag serves as a clear and immediate signal that a space is safe and welcoming. While a flag alone is not enough, it shows commitment and invites conversation.

For many people—especially queer, trans, and marginalized folks—knowing which spaces are safe can be a matter of self-preservation. A visible Pride flag helps remove uncertainty and creates a point of connection. It tells customers they are not just tolerated, but genuinely welcome.

How Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community Shapes the Store

Every decision at Wolfe & Kron Books is made with intention and care for the LGBTQ+ community.

From the books on the shelves to the brands the store collaborates with, Wolfe & Kron centers accessibility and inclusion. The shop regularly offers accommodations such as:

• Mask-required shopping weekends

• Off-hours shopping to reduce sensory overload

• Virtual shopping experiences with curbside pickup or local delivery

This approach ensures that more people—especially disabled, immunocompromised, and neurodivergent customers—can access the space comfortably.

For Fin, one of the most rewarding parts of running the store is watching customers discover books they love, or books they’ve never seen themselves in before. Representation isn’t theoretical here—it’s tangible.

What Makes Wolfe & Kron Books Unique

Wolfe & Kron Books stands out not just for what it sells, but for how it sells.

In addition to queer and BIPoC-authored books, the store stocks stickers, bookmarks, totes, and gifts created by queer artists and makers, with a strong emphasis on creators from the Tri-State area. Rather than buying mass-produced items in bulk, Fin chooses to support individual artists and small businesses.

Every item in the store has a story—who made it, what inspired it, and why supporting it matters. Customers can trust that their purchases directly support the queer community.

Events, Book Clubs, and Community Building

Wolfe & Kron Books is as much about connection as it is about commerce.

The store hosts regular Book Swaps at local venues, giving readers the chance to discover new books and meet fellow book lovers. Fin also created the Asynchronous Book Club, designed specifically for ADHD readers and others who struggle with traditional book club formats.

Instead of assigned reading, participants share their BIR (Books I’ve Read) lists and help turn those books into someone else’s TBR (To Be Read)—a low-pressure, high-connection way to engage with reading.

Looking ahead to 2026, Wolfe & Kron Books will launch an LGBTQ+ Author Events Series in Asbury Park. The series will include:

• Author talks and panels

• Workshops

• Dinner parties

• Masquerades

Positioned between NYC and Philadelphia, Asbury Park serves as an ideal hub for bringing queer authors and readers together in creative, joyful ways.

A Queer-Owned Bookstore With Values

Wolfe & Kron Books is proudly woman- and queer-owned. The store openly affirms that:

• Science is real

• Abortion is healthcare

• Women’s and trans rights are human rights

• Black lives matter

At its core, Wolfe & Kron believes in the power of stories—and in creating a bookstore where everyone feels safe enough to find their own.