First: SHOP LOCAL! This is a terrific woman-owned and woman-operated independent bookstore. But it doesn't just sell books. I've attended book signings and readings. I've had tarot readings conducted. I've shopped during special "seasons" highlighted, such as Banned Book Week. There's a terrific representation of women of all types. Color, age, sexual identification, etc. It doesn't matter who you are--even a CIS male--you will be welcome here. I'm so happy Book Woman is here! read more

Book Woman bookstore, a woman-owned and woman-operated independent bookstore, is located on N. Lamar in Austin, TX. It is not easy to find. When you get this "arrived" message from GPS and you do not see the place you are looking for, it is unsettling. I called Book Woman and kind voice on the phone told me to go more south. Finally, I found it...score! It is literally tucked away in a small strip mall. First, I notice a beautiful angel painted in many colors on the bookstore's window...warm and welcoming. Next, I entered the store and was immediately asked to put on a mask. Flash back to the heart of Covid days. I have not been asked to wear a mask in any establishment for the last two years, so this was a little off-putting. However, I am rules follower, so I complied. Book Woman was established in 1975 as a feminist collective and the store has spent decades championing diverse voices. It has grown into one of the oldest and most recognized feminist bookstores in the United States, which is pretty cool. It's a small bookstore so it does not take long to peruse the shop. I walked up and down the aisles discovering their genre of books. The selection included women authors, LGBTQ+ literature, social justice topics, and independent publishers. The woman who directed me to the bookstore was the only one in store. She answered my questions and was otherwise busy unpacking boxes of books. In addition to books, Book Woman sells t-shirts, cards, puzzles, journals, soap, and jewelry. These complementary items is a good addition to the books. All items are reasonably priced. read more

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Love, love, loved this bookstore. staff was friendly and helpful--selection was clearly curated with thought and care. My wife and I really enjoyed how welcoming the store was--we will definitely be stopping by whenever we are in town. read more

Book Woman - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Here with a review update...as it stands...still...I love Book Woman. I will always make my way to this bookstore when I'm visiting Austin. Now, what I do not love is not being acknowledged/greeted when I enter an establishment. Furthermore, if I give you my card in your hand do not ever place my card on the counter. I have hands as well and that's how I should receive my card back. Shit is annoying and disrespectful. Now that I got that out of the way, do better as it relates to customer service because I brought someone to the bookstore after raving about everything from the books to the stickers. Greet people, it's simple. We did receive a bland "Happy Pride" on the way out. You could have kept that tho. read more

Love this bookstore! They have a good selection of books and curated knick knacks. It's a fun place to browse through, the staff are friendly and prices are good. read more

Book Woman - Exterior - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

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After a brunch with friends, we wanted to go to a local bookstore we had not been to before, so we headed to Book Woman. As with most places parking is very limited, you can't park on the side as BLUSH refuses to allow you to unless you are a customer of their store, I get the limited space but maybe be a little willing to not be a jerk and set limits or something. Its why we rarely go to places like this even when we want to. Anyway back to Book Woman, we parked and the entrance is loaded with art and signs for books and woman's choice and Pro LGBTQ+ and so much more, I have pictures. They still do require you to be masked even if fully vaxxed which is rare in this day and age so just know that, they do have signs but as there are lots of signs you may possible miss it even with it being the one on the door at eye level. It says they have masks if you don't have one, my wife works in a hospital so we had masks on us. Shana Says: It is very cute, they have a ton of stuff for the size of the store. I got caught up in one or two sections so I didn't see a lot of it. It is a nice shop filled with so much stuff, books, totes, t-shirts, pins, earrings, bumper stickers, etc. They have something for everyone! I have seen many of the reviews on here talk about bad customer service but the lady running the store the day we went was friendly without being overbearing. Shana had some questions about a sticker and the lady explained what it was, the story behind it, and expanded to other related things without prompting. She was very nice. We found several books, being a local independent bookstore it is a tad more expensive then say Half Price books or a used book store but you are helping keep a local business open and a book store at that and it has some unique books you are unlikely to find elsewhere. They had a book we ended up getting called Jokes to offend men which had chapters like Jokes for men who explain Tarantino movies and various chapters like that. It is a fun book. Worth checking out if you are in the area. Support Local Business! read more

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Wow, I am so happy Yelp came through again, introducing me to such a beautiful bookstore with amazing energy. Book Woman has such a diversity in the selection from local, to mainstream, to critical theory. It is very peaceful. The kind of vibe that shields the annoyance of life's interruptions. Come here to get books that will expand your knowledge and leave with your soul enriched. The parking was easy and no fuss which is rare in ATX. Tip...Bring your Mask OR look to the left as soon as you enter the door (by the hand sanitizer) to get a courtesy mask. read more

Book Woman - My dreams have come true!! The most amazing vibe EVER and full of powerful books! - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Highly recommend for books, gifts, shirts, jewelry, cards, Austiny things, and more. I live super south Austin and never make it north often but came here for a Yelp event and I'm so glad I did! I bought books, shirts and want to go back for more. They have a great selection from women's bodies, politics and stories, lgbtq, gender and identity, children's books, diversity and inclusion, and more. To get a good idea of what they have - check out the 100 pictures features. Definitely worth the visit. You won't be disappointed. read more

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When I went the store had freshly been flooded from recent storms, but the attitude and service of the ladies working was still wonderful! They were very helpful and helped me find the perfect book. Fair prices and wonderful, diverse selection! read more

I discovered Book Women through Yelp's event this week. It's a very unique and special bookstore in N Lamar and I was very excited to find so many literature collections on women empowerment and gender identities. It's such a nice environment to support local businesses, artists and D&I and I highly recommend a visit. The Yelp event is ongoing through July 2 2023. It's fun and quite simple, you basically just have to check in on Yelp and then the person at the counter will give you a Pride Tote Bag with some goodies inside. The event seems to be a very good opportunity for people to explore this unique bookstore and connect with those frequent visitors to the shop. In addition to books, they also sell a lot of different stuffs to shop, including puzzles, stickers, cards, painting books, etc. definitely worth a visit! read more

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Welcome to one of the few local bookstores female owned, operated, and LGBTQIA+ friendly. As of July 2023, they are still mandating masks to be worn in the store. Book Women is not a massive bookstore, but that shouldn't stop you from coming in. If you are looking for a specific book, they'll be happy to order it for you. What is pretty neat about Book Woman is their promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in each nook and cranny. You'll find a shelf of love to all sorts of groups: female empowerment, LBTQIA+, etc. NOTE: Since this is a local bookstore, they won't offer the same prices you'll find at mass-market retailers. Expect to pay retail price. read more

This place is going to be my new go to for books! The entire selection was phenomenal. I felt so much cozy, inclusive, intentional energy with each section. I will absolutely be back & appreciate women creating spaces like these with deep respect for indigenous, queer, and feminist people. read more

Book Woman - Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

Bookwoman has been my go to bookstore for years. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, but also so knowledgeable and eager to give suggestions. They stand by their customers and their community and I'm always glad to support a local business who looks out for one another. read more

Book Woman - Pride Collection books - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

A mainstay in Austin! I hope their sign is never found at the Sign Bar! Small independent bookstore with great service. Lots of recommended book on display. If they don't have what you are looking for they will order it for you and it will get in fast. Although it is super LBG.... friendly you don't have to make that your reason for shopping there or not. They have something for everyone! Sweet place! read more

This store is one of my happy places. They really know what they're doing here, they care SO MUCH, and they really do everything they can for their customers. As a disabled queer person who is high risk for COVID just as much now as I was in 2020, it means the world to me that BookWoman cares enough about accessibility that not only do they stock a section on disability advocacy and activism, they still require masks in 2023. I feel seen when I am there, I feel like my presence and stories matter. I love chatting with the employees. Audrey has been especially friendly and helpful, and their book recs have been spot on. I come here for gifts and self care treats, and sometimes just to BE. It's a very important place, and I'm proud to support them on Libro.fm too! read more

Book Woman - Happy Pride at Book Woman! - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

Don't go in there without wearing a mask because you'll be treated like the most unwanted person on the planet. I made the mistake of not paying attention to the signs posted on the front door, and the worker greeted us with the most unwelcoming, condescending tone. She kept asking if there were any disposable masks left by the door for us, and without even giving me and my friend a chance to look for them, she rudely yells, "it's a yes or no question!" We must have made her go too far out of her way by making her walk more masks up to the front of the store because she rudely said, "you didn't read the sign?" I said no. Then she goes, "there's only 5 signs posted!" She made it seem like we were in the height of the pandemic. Hardly any other businesses require masks anymore, so it's not that unreasonable to go somewhere without wearing a mask. However, I had no problem putting a mask on. That whole interaction was so unnecessary. I just left despite their decent collection because my whole mood was ruined by that grumpy librarian. Whatever happened to customer service? read more

I've driven by this place so many times, but it wasn't until Yelp formally introduced me that I realized this is a spot I should be frequenting! So many books by a myriad of diverse authors, children's books, souvenir gifts and more! I took home some books for me and my girls and we're already highly recommending this spot to others-- go! read more

This is a great locally and woman owned bookstore that specializes in feminist and lgbtq topics, among others. They also have other small items like stickers, cards, and tarot decks. They will order books for you, but not any book, as I came to find out. As other reviews have mentioned, I had a condescending encounter with the clerk working that day. I asked if they had a section where I could find books on cryptids and the clerk said that they don't carry such books as they deal with conspiracy theories and fringe science, and I should try half price books (such a sick burn haha). I don't think it was such a stretch to ask about that topic, as they have a whole section on witchcraft . So watch out what you ask about and say here, you might get blasted, but I also thought that the encounter was on par to librarian crankiness so I wasn't too mad. read more

Book Woman - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

I have been a long time supporter of Book Woman, but have been dismayed by their continued insistence on masks, but not providing them to customers. Most people don't carry masks with them anymore and they are losing business due to this policy. I live in South Austin, so my visits are now infrequent, made even more so by this, now outdated, mask policy. I suggest they start providing disposable masks, if they want to keep the store open. Susan has worked so hard to keep Book Woman open, that I would be so disappointed to see it fail now. read more

Amazing selection! You still have to wear a mask which you don't see in most places so I am extremely impressed! I am glad they are looking out for their employees. Everyone was courteous and I spent awhile in there just taking it all in. It felt like such a special place and I was so happy to be supporting a local business. I found what I was looking for but if you don't they have signs everywhere saying that they can place an order for you! read more

Every time I drive by this place it make me happy knowing that they are still thriving. Book Woman is a legit Austin institution. They have such a wide variety of books by women, for women, about women and a good handful that does not fall into those categories. I enjoy coming to find unique non-literary gifts such as jewelry, cards, coloring books, etc. The staff is incredibly friendly and will happily order any titles not in stock, (they just ordered me a copy of Julissa Arce's My Underground American Dream). Love love love this place! read more

Book Woman - Books - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

I was looking for a copy of "Women Who Run with the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés for a gift. When I called ahead to check stock, they confirmed they had two copies and offered to put one on hold for me. I found the store to have such an eclectic and fascinating array of titles that I nearly forgot what I came for and got lost in browsing. Ultimately I got what I came for plus a beautiful card to go with it and bonus book for my daughter. I was happy to support this local small business that is so aligned with my beliefs. read more

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There was not a book there that I did not want to pick up and/or read. I added several titles to my TBR list during this visit. Wish we would have come here earlier in our trip! read more

Awesome woman owned store. Has lots of interesting books, shirts, stickers, etc. Service is great. Wearing a mask is still required in order to keep everyone healthy. Definitely worth checking out and supporting small business. read more

Good store, great selection of feminist titles. Will definitely be back. Support woman-owned businesses read more

Book Woman - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rude Staff. Extremely disappointed. As a premise, I am a Feminist and Woman Of Color who respects rules, and mask policies. I am totally fine wearing masks. The store has signs on the outside saying masks only. Many stores still have these signs from earlier in thr pandemic and are not currently enforcing the mask policy, I am fine wearing masks. I Stood by the door, (making sure to not fully enter the store), to ask a staff member if the signs for the mask policy are still current. I did not intend to peruse the store unmasked. Before I could even ask a question a woman with a buzz cut angrily yelled at me in a rude tone " friend did you not see the signs" It was so rude and condescending. I still would have liked to see the store in a safe way regardless of How rude she was, so I went to the car to grab a mask, when I saw that I didn't have a mask, I stood by the door and asked the staff member if the store happened to have masks that store goers could use. Before I could even finish my question. She angrily barked at me "no" , swung her head around and walked away. This was extremely unnecessary. I don't know if I want to come back given how I was treated. Complete lack of customer service. I feel judged and like I was not treated like a human being! I am happy to wear a mask, treat people with decency! read more

As an educator and woman of color gladly hoping to spend my teacher money on books at a store with a cause for my classroom, I was disappointed that we were rudely dismissed when asked if the store had disposable masks so we could honor the mask rule (more than happy to). My mother (also a woman of color) didn't have access to one.  Accessibility to items such as masks for marginalized people is what I believed this store was about with the claims of equality... etc. I was disappointed to be dismissed with an uninviting tone. When you stand for such things as this book store, I hope it is thoughtful and intentional for the consumer y'all market to have a great experience. I'm disappointed as an avid reader and lover of book stores that a bookstore that promotes inclusion missed the mark on this one. read more

When my partner and I first moved to Austin a decade ago we lived super close and would stop in for periodic pickups or author events. But after a couple moves around town, it ended up a bit less convenient to stop by regularly and we only would really see them when they were at the book festival. Then - come covid adjustments and I realized I could order online and have a Favor driver pick my books up and bring them to me. It was a huge game changer and everyone I've worked with there through their email or over the phone has been so amazing and patient with my long lists of new books I want to fill the shelves with. They were able to get quite a few small press or indie published worked by trans and nonbinary authors that I was looking for that I couldn't find anywhere else locally. They've once again become my first stop in Austin for any new books I'm looking for. I didn't realize how much I missed the store until it was back in my life. read more

It is apparent from the other reviews that I am not the first person who has had an interaction with a condescending cashier. Is it the same person we are all talking about? Shaved head? I do not think talking to people is in this person's wheelhouse. Do they not know that customers are most likely other feminists who might feel that there would be a sense of community and welcoming? Do they not see the opportunity for great conversations and book recommendations about things we feel united in? I asked 2 very normal questions after not being greeted at all. I left those interactions feeling like they were taking opportunities to try and make me feel stupid. If you have a disdain for humanity then perhaps work from home by yourself and allow someone else to interact with patrons, someone who sees patrons as the lifeblood of the business. read more

Incredible haven from the patriarchy and supremacy culture! It's a beautiful space with a warm and accommodating staff. If they don't have what you want, they'll jump on the computer and order it to the store for you. read more

Book Woman has a great selection of feminist books and stuff. I went specifically for a new tarot deck. They had several in stock that I have been eyeing for a while, and I was pleased with their selection. I foresee spending a lot of money here. Lol read more

Been supporting this place for 20 years but I won't be back anytime soon. It was approximately 5:00pm. I walked in the door and turned to sanitize my hands at their hand sanitizer/mask station and was immediately accosted by the employee. They rudely said 'WE ARE CLOSED'. But the door was unlocked and the hours posted online said it was open until 7pm. I replied "oh I didn't realize, yelp said it was open until 7pm". The employee replied, YOU CANT SEE THE SIGN ON THE DOOR? YOU CANT SEE THE LIGHTS ARE OFF? They had handwritten their 'summer hours' on a sheet of paper and hung it up next to all the other sheets of paper on the door. And it was 5pm on a bright summer day, the whole place was lit up with glaring sunlight. I couldn't tell the lights weren't on. And I wasn't even far enough in to notice that! I was coming for a specific book. It's uncommon but it's something they would have. And I figured they would be able to order it for me if they didn't have it. I ended up getting the book at a different bookstore because after this experience I don't want to go back and risk running into that employee again. read more

I received a gift certificate to Book Woman from some parents at the preschool where I work. As soon as I opened the card, I thought, "wow, they know me so well!" I can't believe I hadn't discovered this place on my own. I'm an avid reader & I drive past this stretch of N. Lamar at least once a month, sometimes more. My favorite coffee shop is around the corner. At any rate, I'm so glad I got that gift certificate. Book Woman is small, in a strip with other small store fronts. I also found a bagel shop I had never noticed before while on this excursion, so I need to thank those parents twice. I love reading & I especially love reading books by women. The small space is utilized well. The shop is chocked full of literature, memoirs, biographies, inspirational books, gender studies & new releases. There's a YA section and a children's book shelf. Magazines & erotica. Gifts, coloring books, journals, soap, socks, shirts, stickers. Something for everyone, in other words. I left with two books. One is a sort of group of biographies of women. The other is a study of the suppression of writing by women. Pretty much exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to find. The woman who helped me was sweet & polite. I'd like to think this is the kind of place I'll work or volunteer at after I retire. I just want to be surrounded by women who read & books. And RBG merch. The space is so small it almost felt crowded with three shoppers inside. Only a few parking spots out front but lots of parking to the left & back. I'll definitely be back because I still feel like there was so much to take in. A lot to see & touch & discover. It's small, but mighty. read more

Book Woman - Store front - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

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One of my favorite book stores in Austin! Always bring new people every time they visit!

Bookwoman is just cool. Wonderful, alternative feminist bookstore on the corner of 12th & Lamar. The store is small, but colorful and intimate. You'll lose track of time just browsing. Great selection of genres, everything from home & garden and religion & spirituality to memoir, biography and women's history. A small, but concentrated selection of GLBT material (self-help, family-help, religion & glbt, parenting, etc.) Books are just a portion of the store, though. Stop by to peruse their cds, DVDs, clothing, PRIDE paraphernalia, and my favorite...a collection of the funniest magnets, postcards, and greeting cards I've ever seen. Bookwoman also plays host to special affairs- once-a-month book clubs, signings & readings, and most importantly, events that faithfully support the local community of women writers in Austin. Stop on by. read more

Book Woman - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love local book stores and this one was very welcoming. The book store had a good selection of current topics, children's book, self help, and so many more. read more

I was shocked to realize that I've never reviewed this favorite of mine. I have been coming to Book Woman for over 12 years and am sad that I don't get to come as often now that I have moved south. While I consider myself fairly "up to date" on feminist and women's studies new releases, there is always something new and something I have never seen before when I come here. When my kiddo was little this was my "go to" place for children's books that were forward-thinking and inclusive... many of which led to all-time favorites in my house. This is also a great place for those feminist t-shirts and stickers that aren't always easy to find. read more

I preordered a book on their website and received a call within an hour telling me that they actually already had the book available and they could have my two copies brought out to my car anytime the same day. I was so pleasantly surprised at the speed, service, and precautions taken, not to mention the book being EARLY! I'm even happier than I expected to be that I chose to spend my dollars supporting this local woman owned indie bookshop. read more

bookwoman -- a refuge in a world of chaos. owner susan and staff always ready with a stellar reading suggestion and smile. we are fortunate to have this old-school-austin and labor-of-booklove still in our midst. read more

An amazing store full of interesting books & art. Would be a 5 Star had the owner not been so rude for the entire visit I was there a few months ago. There were no prices labeled 85% of the time and yet the owner got really snippy any time someone asked how much something costs. (And it's overpriced!) to top it off she completely ignored me when I tried to ask her a question. I stood there for 5 mins or so with no acknowledgement. I left without buying anything. read more