Awesome bookstore in Andersonville! Very inclusive and they have highlighted underrepresented voices since 1979. They are one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country! It's a lovely and bright space and feels very welcoming. If they don't have something you're looking for, they can order it and have it for you quickly, usually within a few days. They encourage discussion and learning, and host wonderful author events, book groups, story times, and much more. Very thoughtful and curated selections at reasonable prices. Excellent customer service and positive vibes all around. read more

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Lovely and perfect bookstore. Every single time I am here, I find that my list of book needs and wants are completely satisfied. I am can come in for two books and will walk out with eight. The service is knowledgeable and bright. I think that whatever can be done to support and sustain this bookshop should be done. read more

Women & Children First - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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They have a lovely selection of books. I haven't been in the store for about 30 years because my children are grown but I wanted to buy a special book that I had in mind for a friend's child. I have never encountered such a rude customer service in my life. Women actually rolled her eyes at me read more

What a lovely little store. Firstly, as someone who remains COVID conscious, I am T H R I L L E D that they still require masks in the store. On the weekends, at least--Monday through Friday you can pass through mask-free if you like. I honestly don't know why I haven't been in here before when it's so close to my home--or at least I don't think I've been here in the 14 years I've lived nearby. I only wish that I read physical books more often, but it may be to my advantage that I lean toward ebooks because my money would be flying out the door here. They have a beautiful children's section, though, that's pretty large for the size of the shop. I brought my daughter here for "Chicago's Official" Drag Story Hour, which takes place the fourth Sunday of every month (though I overheard the owner saying that they will probably take a break in December and start up again in January). It was a lot of fun and we'll certainly be back. A tip, though: I am pretty sure the story hour is advertised as free, but when we got there they asked for a $5 donation. I'm pretty positive it wasn't a requirement and they wouldn't have thrown folks out (you didn't have to pay it up front; there was a place to put cash or you could use Venmo), but this might be a surprise to folks and I'd hate someone to come and be caught off guard. Even if I don't find books for myself here, my little one, at two months, will obviously only be using physical books for some time and I'd happily come here to browse and buy. And we did end up buying a couple books that are apropos to the season; we've already read them both and they're adorable (especially the book Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow--don't sleep on Bruce!). I meant to ask one of the employees if they had books that included characters with disabilities but unfortunately forgot. I want my daughter to have a library filled with people of various walks of life, and especially minortized backgrounds, so I was so glad to see that they had books that fit that bill perfectly. Whilst I would hope that a feminist bookstore would have this sort of variety, I know that's not something one could assume. They have book clubs as well and some of the selections for upcoming months seem interesting; I know I've looked into their book clubs in the past but for some reason haven't been able to join in. I may have to change that. I know they also have events here like author events, and they've had some illustrious authors come through over their 40+ year history--take a look up near the ceiling by the door and you'll see some of the authors they've welcomed through the years. There's paid street parking around Clark, Farragut, and other side streets along this strip of Andersonville. W&CF also is one of the businesses that shares the lot behind the store, which was great (although since it's Sunday I think street parking might be free anyway). Support your local feminist bookstore! read more

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Excellent children's section and a nice, carefully curated selection for adults. The service there is downright bizarre though. We bought a couple children's books for my little niece and nephew and the cashier didn't even make eye contact let alone ask us if we found what we were looking for. After paying, she just stood there and didn't offer a receipt or a bag. It was kind of perplexing being treated so coldly in a space that seems so warm. Unabridged in Lakeview is a much nicer experience. Rounded up from 3 for being so bold in their political views. read more

What an incredible bookstore. Women & Children First has an amazing selection of literature that highlights inclusivity, progressive thought, and diversity. The curation is thoughtful and meticulous, including some pretty niche titles. I loved their display of books about Palestine and their staff pick notes. read more

Good stuff here! Supporting independent bookstores are the way to go, and it's always a good time to walk the neighborhood.

Cute book store with many sections and varieties of books, along with cute subnotes about books and authors. I loved looking through the gender/LGBTQ+ section. Mildly pricey, but that's to be expected from a local independent bookstore. It was fairly busy when I went in, so the employees just seemed to want to get people in and out at the register. read more

Women & Children First - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The service at this book store is not great.. Selection is Not great either. Much better bookstore in Lakeview called Unabridged! It's not far and worth it if you want great service! Unabridged on Broadway is a better vibe and has a much better selection! read more

Maybe I just caught them on a bad day, but I was really underwhelmed by this place. The selection was very limited and the clerks were super rude. At one point I walked over toward an employee who was sitting at a table and they practically dove out of their chair and ran in back to avoid me. I was wearing a mask (and a hoodie with jeans), so I don't know what their problem was, but if you're employed in customer service, you have to be prepared to talk to customers. That's how it works. I don't fault them for requiring masks, but I do fault a bookstore that's called "Women and Children First" for giving feminist literature and nonfiction the cold shoulder. If you're looking for the woke book of the month (or random trendy bestsellers by males, bizarrely), you'll probably find it here, but heaven forbid someone want to read a mainstream feminist tome. As the holiday season approaches, people have lots of options. WCF was on my list for gift certificates last year. I don't think it will be again this year. read more

Not only is this a fantastic bookstore, they also regularly host all sorts of great community events.

Each month, more and more feminist books are excluded from their inventory. Thank goodness for Amazon.com. It's fine that they changed the focus of the store to be all about trans people, and to no longer be about feminism. After all, it's their store, and they purchased it free & clear from the previous owners. But to me, it feels like a scam not to at least change the name. Some locals I've heard refer to this store as 'Transwomen First'. While that name might also be inaccurate (they may prioritize transmen and non-binary people just as much as they do transwomen), I feel that it would be closer to an accurate name for this store. read more

Great bookstore with a wonderful selection of political writing, poetry, bestsellers, and children's books. When my daughter was small, we'd bring her to drag queen storytime. They also host wonderful author readings! A historic Chicago store--a must visit! read more

Subpar service and selection. Very disappointing. I do not recommend Women & Children First because they put the customer last.

Great bookstore highlighting women and queer authors! I loved to see such a great collection of books and Knick knacks. They do still require masks but they provide them for you at the door if you don't have your own. The prices are standard for an indie book store; kind of on the expensive side but it's well curated and thoughtful. Overall solid!! read more

I love this bookstore. They have many sections for various interests and are more than happy to make suggestions.

They got rid of their lesbian section. Wouldn't order a feminist book for me. The store is no longer woman friendly.

I have given this bookstore many chances hoping my experience would be better than the last as this is a convenient location. As an Asian customer, I have noticed I don't get treated as well as the other customers. This experience has not occurred once but MULTIPLE times. I guarantee you will feel very unwelcome here. I don't even remember the last time they greeted me when I walked into the store. My boyfriend is black and Hispanic, and he has also felt very unwelcome and uncomfortable as he was followed around the store - they didn't ask if he needed help in selecting a book- just followed. This is 2024, I hate to see this happen to any child. If you are a worker here, what is wrong with you people. I feel bitter that place like this exists in my neighborhood. If you don't take action, you bet I will take further action. read more

Pretty cute place! Has books about gender neutral parenting and has sections for trans authors. I liked their selection and bought a leftist direct action themed post card and picked up slingshot, a free newspaper from California. read more

Great independent bookstore with owners and staff that really know their stuff! Fun to take a little time and browse. It's not just about buying a book, but it's also a great experience. I'm grateful for it. read more

The staff is brusque and seemed almost contemptuous. The person who processed what I bought today didn't even look directly at me; it was as if I wasn't wanted. I have had previous experiences like that at the store. It is disheartening. The store in general seems a bit disorganized and the signs identifying sections are hard to read. I am surprised they only have 1 book by Doris Lessing and a paucity of such books has been a hallmark of previous visits. The store is locally owned and as such one must at least try to patronize. l am unsure if it's worth it. On the plus side, I found a book/exhibition catalog about Lee Krasner that I am greatlyenjoying. read more

This was my second visit to Women & Children First, always appreciate the recommendation laid out and front table of books. Love their selection & merch. read more

Went in to buy and pick-up some ordered books and have to say what an improvement* in customer service. Attentive, helpful and friendly staff all willing to help. Keep up the great work. Will continue to be a customer. *(negative experience years ago kept me away until today) read more

Based on a recent experience, I feel compelled to write a review about my once favorite bookstore. On a recent visit, I encountered a very rude worker who stunned me with her stress. While waiting to check out with my niece (4) and nephew (7), there was a scuffle with the person in front of me. After 5 minutes of patiently waiting while they scramble to find her order, I asked if we could pay for a book for them. Like a classic Portlandia sketch, the worker seemed aghast but managed my request like I shook the pillars of the collective; did the person in front of me think this was OK? Once the agreement was made, they advanced me, thankfully, as the children were getting antsy so I commented "thanks...this will help us get out the little noise makers [they were well managed all in all]" and she responded curtly: "That would be great." And did not acknowledge my nephew's "thank you". After 20 years of supporting this collective through its many changes, and mostly wonderful staff, I was hurt. Children should feel welcome in a community-driven space that fosters learning. What was so bad about your day that you had to slam negative energy in my face? Were you upset you couldn't find the order for the woman in front of me? Could you not step outside of yourself and use our transaction as a reminder you can control the situation? Just remember: you have NO idea what the customer is going through, why they have time mid-day to go and be a patron of your bookstore. Please practice mindfulness - we all have bad days, but remember your energy is your power. And it's easier for me to choose to not return. read more

Always a worthwhile stop when I'm near and so glad that it's one of the few places still having at least some days where masks are required.

A wonderful feminist &, Lgbt+ bookstore with a kid's section. If you want to read the types of books conservatives try to ban, look no further. They're helpful and it's clean and nice. Not particularly inexpensive though. So you will need book buying money, but average prices. They also have merch like pronoun pins. A good place for everyone to feel welcome to be themselves. read more

One of the hardest parts about #quarantinelife has been the lack of live readings and author events. I have really missed the energy of these types of events and the ability to connect with other book lovers. Like so many other booksellers, Women and Children First has had to adapt their in-person offerings to the virtual world. Although the physical store remains closed, the business offers curbside pickup and online ordering. The in-person author events have also migrated online. I had the occasion to attend one of these events yesterday, for the virtual launch party of Patricia McNair's latest short story book, Responsible Adults. The live video platform, Crowdcast, that was used for the event was seamless and made it feel like an intimate conversation between the author and the moderator. One of the store's co-owners gave a nice introduction beforehand, mentioning that the book is available for order or pick up, making it easy to support a local bookstore with a single click. This is the first virtual author event that I have attended at Women & Children First and it will not be the last. I would not have known about the event if I had not signed up for the emails from the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame (CHLOF). Now I know better and will continue to keep this worthwhile bookshop on my radar for other bookish happenings. read more

I love this local bookstore but today I walked in and I wanted to purchase a specific book, that book was in stock but unfortunately it was damaged at the top on the cover on the spine. I still wanted to support local so I ordered one for later pickup. What I didn't anticipate was the trash taking from the individuals behind the register about why I wanted to order a new one. Quote: "why they are ordering a new one is beyond me" in a rude tone. If they looked closely they could see it was damaged so it was not necessary at all to be rude about my order especially when I am supporting local and my anxiety was triggered by the damage. I understand books eventually get damaged but that was no excuse to be rude and trash talk. I will be back of course because I love this bookstore but still very unfortunate to have experienced this. read more

Every time I enter this store, I feel like I'm not welcome--probably because, as a lady friend of mine puts it, "you have a shaft." But it's a great store for those who are women. Or children. I guess. :) read more

Nice store. It's clear that the stock is thoughtfully selected, and having staff reviews on tags around the store is a helpful and personal addition. I was delighted to find a bio of Beatrice Wood, a potter and friend of many Dada era artists, for $5.95! Nice selection of cards and other sidelines as well. The clerk did needlessly disparage the fact that my companion and I hailed from the southwest suburbs, which felt less than welcoming (it's where my job is, okay? sorry if it's not cool enough for you), but other than that I immensely enjoyed the experience and will be back. read more

If you are trying to order from out of state, don't bother. I bought a $20 gift certificate a few years ago at a fundraiser for a local nonprofit and didn't use it before leaving town. My partner was back in town doing some finishing work on our unit and was going to swing by for me and redeem the certificate, but wanted me to have books selected before going in due to time constraints. I selected a few books on the website, but there is no way to tell via the website what is in stock and what isn't. When I called, the woman who answered the phone wasn't much help beyond, "no that's not in stock" and when I asked for suggestions for books with a social justice theme for young children (along the lines of A FOR ACTIVIST or MALALA's MAGIC PENCIL) the response was "yeah we have stuff like that," but no titles given. If I can't check the website and I'm not getting information when I call, I can't select books. I also checked the website and for one coloring book their shipping charge is $8.50. The book itself weighs 4 oz. They should be shipping them via media mail for $3. They're books. read more

I came into Women and Children First to purchase books for my tween cousins. My husband had come here in the past for me and purchased books for a friends daughter and I was very impressed by his selections. So I was driving by and decided to stop. I knew I wanted to buy them a fun, girl power book, but I had no idea where to start in the middle school selection. I asked a staff member to recommend some books and she was so quick to help and pull some books, that I bought them all. I will be shopping here first for books before amazon or other retailers because we need to support small businesses. I am a huge advocate for purchasing books instead of toys and this place has it all. Best sellers, for kids to adults. Keep up the great work! And I look forward to visiting again soon. read more

Came down from north shore for an author reading I was intrigued by. For those not local, that's an hour's effort invested. Did eventbrite for tiks, spot hero for parking, Hopleaf for dinner, imagine my disappointment when we showed up to nothing. We were informed author was sick. Ok, but no notification from eventbrite, bookstore, or author. The only notice I saw was a handwritten sign in window of bookstore. Failure on all counts. My guess, not enough interest to warrant a show by the author. Prove me wrong. read more

I absolutely love this store! If you're looking for your normal series of books, this is not your place, as that is not the purpose of the business (the owners and employees themselves will tell you the same). But what they do is extremely important, especially now. And I'm happy to say that their mission has been the same since the 70's: they are highlighting books and authors from the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC authors, AAPI authors, female authors, and authors with disabilities. They are highlighting books that speak on the female experience, the LGBTQIA+ experience, BIPOC experience, AAPI experience, and experience as a ppl with disabilities. This is something we need a lot of, and something I'm not seeing enough of. We need more places that do this. This place is a safe space for any women, ppl with disabilities, BIPOC, AAPI, or people in the LGBTQIA+ community. It is described by its patrons and staff as a "gay and feminist bookstore." They sell pride flags, pins, and stickers. They sell Black Lives Matter pins and stickers (probably also sell BLM flags too). This is probably one of the most inclusive spaces I've been in, which feels amazing as someone in the LGBTQIA+ community. read more

Prices are too high. Friendly staff, but there has been way, way, way too much performative Covid theater for the last couple years at this place. Sure if that makes them feel more comfortable, it's their right to require masks until the end of time and for no reason. It's easier to get books elsewhere than all these hoops, in my opinion. read more

Two stars because I found the book I was looking for. I've been buying books and cards at Women and Children First since the 90's. I remember a few years ago when they were scrambling to stay afloat and we supported them, really worrying about losing this icon of the LGBT community to online blah blah blah. Yesterday was my last day- the ongoing issue-is the rudeness of the employees at the counter. No hi, no thank you, just a conveyor belt of customers that are taking up their time, and don't deserve just that- for supporting their bricks and morter business, one I work in myself and thank my customers everyday for their business. Wake up. read more

I love, love, love this indie bookstore and plan to visit often. The staff was engaging and fun. The book selection was wonderful!!! I never walk out without purchasing several items. Most are books, but they also carry fun games and gift items. If you are a bookstore junkie...don't miss this one! read more

This is one of my favorite businesses in Chicago. They have been radically feminist since its inception. The people who work there are amazing humans. They are a pillar of the community. Shop local read more

Nothing like a feminist walking into a feminist space to feel a warm rush of positive energy. Lots of great books and book related trinkets. I thought the kids and teen section was really great. Always looking for good books to buy my nieces and nephews that don't reinforce negative gender norms and what not and found some really nice ones here. read more

Okay - so there are very few book stores that are REAL book stores left anymore. Here is a little gem in Andersonville where you have people who KNOW books and who LOVE books working in the store. Their selection is great and thoughtful. And, they will get what you want if they don't have exactly what you want. One of my favorite things about this place is during the holidays. They wrap each and every book. Their selection of wrapping paper during the holidays is WONDERFUL. Please do keep this "gay sparkle" up. Because it is is what makes me want to come back and buy books from more year in and year out for the holidays. Any present that is wrapped fabulously and I don't have to deal with is a win, win. I wish they could knock down wall and open up a coffee shop next door. Their business would blow up! read more