Womanbooks

Womanbooks

Company type	Independent bookstore
Industry	Retail (books)
Founded	March 1, 1975 (1975-03-01)
Founder	Eleanor Batchelder, Karyn London, Fabi Romero-Oak
Defunct	1987 (1987)
Headquarters	Manhattan, New York City , United States
Key people	Karyn London, Martita Midence
Products	Books, magazines, records, jewelry, buttons, posters, cards, calendars

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Womanbooks was a feminist bookstore based in Manhattan, New York City. Established on March 1, 1975, by Eleanor Batchelder, Karyn London, and Fabi Romero-Oak, it served as a welcoming environment for women to connect and educate themselves until its closure in 1987. As the second feminist bookstore to open in New York City, Womanbooks distinguished itself as the first to embrace inclusivity for all women.

History

Motivated by the 1973 publication New Woman’s Survival Catalog and the conviction that every neighborhood should have its own feminist bookstore, Eleanor Batchelder, Karyn London, and Fabi Romero-Oak launched Womanbooks on March 1, 1975. They acknowledged the impact of earlier feminist bookstores on women's studies and envisioned Womanbooks not only as a resource hub but also as a community center dedicated to women.

Following the example of Labyris, which began operations around 1972 in Greenwich Village, Womanbooks became New York City's second feminist bookstore in 1975. The founders aimed to create an inclusive space that welcomed women from diverse backgrounds, making Womanbooks the first feminist bookstore in the city to adopt such an inclusive approach.

At its inception in 1975, Womanbooks offered a modest selection of books along with approximately five feminist-themed records. Reflecting on their early days in an article for Womannews, Eleanor Batchelder noted, "we really had no idea what we were getting into." The founders often dedicated up to eighteen hours daily to operate the store. Despite its undeniable success and significant influence within feminist circles, the pressures—both personal and financial—of managing the business became challenging. In 1981, Karyn London acquired full ownership by purchasing her partners' shares.

In recognition of its grassroots efforts toward advancing women's equality, Womanbooks was honored with the Susan B. Anthony Award in 1982. The bookstore enjoyed strong community support and was highly regarded by authors, publishers, and patrons alike.

Over time, Womanbooks expanded considerably; by 1985, its inventory exceeded 6,000 titles. The store featured an extensive range of magazines, a significant collection of lesbian literature and novels, works by women of color, sections devoted to women's sports and spirituality, a rental library, a children’s area, and a diverse assortment of records, jewelry, buttons, posters, cards, and calendars—all created by women and centered on women's experiences.

In 1985, Karyn London placed Womanbooks on the market. Later that summer, ownership transferred to Martita Midence.

Location

The original Womanbooks store was situated on Manhattan's Upper West Side, specifically at 255 West 92nd Street. This initial site proved to be less than ideal due to its limited size, difficult accessibility, and the presence of men loitering nearby, which often led to customer discomfort. After approximately one year, the bookstore moved just a block away to a more prominent corner location at 201 West 92nd Street. This new venue offered significantly more space and a friendlier atmosphere. To increase visibility, the owners displayed a large red banner featuring their logo outside the premises.

Impacts and contributions

Womanbooks was frequently described as more than just a bookstore; it functioned as a "women's center in disguise." It was not simply a retail space for books but rather a community hub where women could gather, engage in conversation, access vital resources, and find solace. The establishment prioritized the needs of women and children, aiming to create an environment where all felt welcomed and supported.