Retail & Shops in Illinois

Women & Children First

Chicago, IL

Women & Children First has been a home for readers, writers, and thinkers in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood since 1979. When Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon founded the store, they were two young feminists frustrated that the books they wanted to read and study, works by and about women, were so hard to find. They built the shelves themselves, stocked them with feminist and children's literature, and set out to create a space where women's voices sat at the center rather than the margins. More than four decades later, that mission still guides everything we do. Today we are one of the largest feminist bookstores in the United States, carrying roughly 30,000 titles across feminist writing, fiction and poetry, children's and young adult books, LGBTQ+ literature, memoir, politics, cookbooks, art, parenting, and more. We hand-sell the books we love and take pride in helping every reader find the next story that will move them. Our children's section, a favorite among Andersonville families, makes up a meaningful share of what we do, because a lifelong love of reading often starts young. We are also a gathering place. Over the years our events have welcomed voices ranging from Gloria Steinem, Margaret Atwood, and Alice Walker to former President Jimmy Carter, alongside countless debut authors reading in public for the first time. Following renovations that added dedicated event and community space, we host readings, book groups, author panels, and neighborhood gatherings throughout the year. Our 40th anniversary block party filled the street with the community that has sustained us. Under longtime owners Lynn Mooney and Sarah Hollenbeck, we remain proudly independent and deeply rooted in the values we opened with: amplifying women authors, championing intellectual freedom, and building community around books. Whether you are browsing for an afternoon, bringing a child to storytime, or joining us for an evening with a favorite writer, you will find a welcoming, accessible space at 5233 N. Clark Street. Stop in, say hello, and let us help you find your next great read. We have been keeping women and children first for a long time, and we are glad you are here.