The idea for the Toronto Women’s Bookstore grew out of a need for a space for women where books written by women, for women and about women’s issues could be available and for sale. Founded in 1973, the Bookstore grew from a single shelf of books to what is now the largest, non-profit feminist bookstore in Canada.

The Bookstore is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, at a time when independent bookstores are closing in response to tremendous competition from superstores. The last twenty five years have not been without challenges: operating under various management styles - collective vs. hierarchical structure, surviving a devastating fire, nurturing an anti-racist vision, and averting near bankruptcy. As well, the Toronto Women’s Bookstore has maintained a strong feminist presence in spite of the widespread cynicism about the women’s movement.

The importance of independent bookstores, women’s writing and women’s communities remains part of TWB’s mandate. Books that we carry reflect those changes. We are an important source for books on feminist and cultural theory, health, violence against women, lesbian issues, and writing by women of colour, First Nations women and Jewish women. We offer a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction by Canadian and international writers plus much more. We provide hard to find magazines and journals.

We also have a great selection of music and sell locally made jewelry. We publish bibliographies on violence, health and other specialized issues. We have a mail order service to anywhere in the world and can special order hard to find titles. We arrange course book orders and deliveries for university and college professors from a wide range of disciplines. Plus you can join our bookclub and get free books or give to others by purchasing our gift certificates. Also our hardcover books are always 10% off.

We are a bookstore that nurtures diverse communities through special events and ventures. We offer a multitude of community services such as bulletin boards, reading groups, courses, author events and meeting places for women.

The Toronto Women’s Bookstore celebrates its 25th year because of the efforts of many who have given generously as patrons, volunteers, staff and advisors. We recognize that we can look to the future with optimism only with your continued support and partnership. Thank you!

Anjula Gogia, Rachel Kalpana James, May Lui, Esther Vise
The Staff of the Toronto Women’s Bookstore