At a Glance
- 50 years of queer, feminist books and community
- 17 years at its North Lamar location
- Jan. 24, 2026: Anniversary party with Girls in the Nose and Amanda Johnston
Why it matters: BookWoman has kept Austin’s feminist pulse alive for five decades, and its upcoming celebration underscores the ongoing need for intersectional spaces.
Introduction
BookWoman, a queer-feminist bookstore that opened in the early 1975 in downtown Austin, is marking its 50th anniversary this year. The shop, which has moved through several addresses, has remained a steadfast hub for feminist literature, activism, and community events. A celebration on Jan. 24, 2026, will bring together generations of supporters, including the 45-year-old Girls in the Nose punk band and Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston, to honor the store’s legacy and future.
The Roots of BookWoman
BookWoman began as Common Woman, a nod to Judy Grahn’s poetry collection. The first location was on Guadalupe, a street that later became a gathering spot for women writers and activists. As part of the Women in Print movement, the store was one of more than 100 feminist bookstores nationwide. It quickly became a node in a transnational network that helped spread second-wave feminism’s ideas.
A Network of Feminist Voices
Early patrons included UT law alum and Roe v. Wade lawyer Sarah Weddington, founders of the underground publication The Rag, and Kay Turner, leader of the Girls in the Nose punk band. Anti-war advocacy groups and anti-racism book clubs also met in the cramped aisles. The store’s inventory reflected its commitment to intersectional feminism, featuring works on race, class, and sexuality.
Moves and Milestones
After its first year, BookWoman relocated briefly to the owner’s house, then to Sixth Street, and later to 12th Street. In 2009, the shop settled at its current North Lamar location on Valentine’s Day, a move that has lasted 17 years. Throughout these moves, the store’s queer, feminist identity remained central to its mission, inventory, and events.
Transition of Leadership
When Susan Post, a founding member from the 1975 collective, was honored at OUTsider Fest’s 10th anniversary, she announced her intent to retire. Sarah Schoonhoven, a board member of OUTsider Fest, stepped in as her successor. Since summer of 2024, Schoonhoven has been learning the ropes under Post’s guidance, preparing to take the helm. “There’s never not been a time when feminism was relevant and when we didn’t need intersectional feminist spaces,” Schoonhoven said. “We need community. We need resources.”
Celebrating 50 Years
On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, BookWoman will host a celebration featuring:
- A toast to the store’s resilience
- Girls in the Nose reunion for their 45th anniversary, performing songs that inspired the 1990s riot-grrrl movement
- Amanda Johnston’s poetry readings, joined by Torch Literary Arts and other Austin writers and musicians
Schoonhoven described the event as “a celebration of BookWoman, it’s a celebration of Susan, it’s a celebration of Girls in the Nose. It’s a celebration of a lot of things. Every single person who’s been a part of this community, it’s also a celebration for them.” She added, “BookWoman wouldn’t be here if there weren’t people here in BookWoman every single day.”
A Legacy of Advocacy
BookWoman’s quarterly poetry readings, LGBTQIA advocacy sessions, critical book clubs, and goddess-honoring spiritual groups have kept the store’s mission alive. Notable Texan feminists such as 61st Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston and UT students behind The Rag’s rebirth continue to collaborate with the shop. Less than 20 of the original feminist bookstores remain, making BookWoman’s survival even more remarkable.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Founding of BookWoman (then Common Woman) |
| 2009 | Relocation to North Lamar on Valentine’s Day |
| 2024 | Schoonhoven begins transition of leadership |
| 2026 | 50-year anniversary celebration on Jan. 24 |
Community Impact
BookWoman has served as a safe space where activists, artists, and readers intersect. The store’s presence on North Lamar has anchored a neighborhood that thrives on cultural exchange. Its events have nurtured generations of feminists, and its survival has become a symbol of resilience in the face of shifting retail landscapes.
Looking Ahead
With Schoonhoven at the helm, BookWoman plans to expand its digital presence while maintaining its core physical space. The upcoming anniversary will also serve as a fundraising opportunity, with proceeds supporting the store’s community programs and future initiatives. The shop’s commitment to intersectional feminism remains unchanged, promising continued relevance for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- BookWoman has celebrated 50 years as a queer-feminist bookstore in Austin.
- The store’s journey includes multiple relocations, culminating in a 17-year tenure at North Lamar.
- Leadership transition to Sarah Schoonhoven ensures continuity of the shop’s mission.
- The Jan. 24, 2026 celebration will feature Girls in the Nose, Amanda Johnston, and community members.
- BookWoman’s legacy underscores the importance of intersectional spaces in contemporary activism.
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Gavin U. Stonebridge is the Music and Culture staff writer and reporter, covering music, books, and visual art for News Of Austin. She came to Austin by way of Portland, Oregon, drawn by the music scene and the warm weather.
