InSpiritry

Bookwoman and Others Like Her

“I suddenly wanted something to read about women,

but I couldn’t find anything.”

Poet Judy Grahn

Sanctuary

In Austin, Texas, on the corner of 12th and Lamar, there is a small shop that, for years, has been one of the sanctuary places in my life. Its bright storefront display promotes a wide variety of items: feminist biographies, environmental photojournalism, insightful children’s books, progressive political commentary and gifts promoting peace. Entering customers, especially women, are welcomed home. Behind the counter sits owner, Susan Post, an unassuming woman with eyes as soft as her voice. When asked, she will speak of her unwavering dedication to feminism and her heart for writers. The shop I speak of is Book-woman, one of only a handful of independent feminist bookstores in the country and the only one in Texas. A store devoted to improving women’s lives–what better way to live out a Passion for the Greater Good?

Carrying the Banner

While most of us, especially at this time of year, can appreciate the cost savings and wide selection offered by corporate retail giants, we also treasure the private, socially conscious enterprises that have carried our progressive banner when progressive wasn’t “cool.” Bookwoman is one of those. Even as radical conservative ideology swept Texas and the nation, even when many progressives stood silent, Susan’s store has remained a bastion of intelligent, open-hearted thought. With author visits, book readings and other store events, she has reminded us to stay connected to each other and to our ideals. Living in rural East Texas where progressives are a small minority, I love to visit Austin, and my own poetry readings at Bookwoman have fed my soul!

Support and Recognition

My point? Endeavors like Bookwoman need our attention! During the current holiday season and throughout the year, let’s remember to support those who have followed their dreams into the marketplace. In previous posts, I have talked about social entrepreneurs and social enterprise. Bookwoman is a great example! Susan sells what we customers want to buy, all the while using her store as a community center of sorts for progressive women. If Susan’s role is to offer thoughtful merchandise, our role is to recognize the contribution of Susan and others like her, and further to support them as they support us!

Current Crisis

All this is to say that, in fact, Bookwoman is at a crossroads financially. Her current location, near the flagship Whole Foods Market at the corner of 12th and Lamar, has become unaffordable. In the midst of financial difficulty and in seeking another location, Bookwoman needs the investment of her circle of friends. So if you still have shopping to do, remember Bookwoman and others like her. If you are woman who cares about feminist ideals, remember Bookwoman and others like her. If you have a dream that has or may sometime require the backing of likeminded folks, remember Bookwoman and others like her. Let’s buy what we believe!

For more information, you can read a wonderful piece from the Austin American Statesman on local efforts to save the store. To learn more about Bookwoman directly, go to www.ebookwoman.com, and to partner with Susan Post’s friends, go to www.savebookwoman.com.

When We Support One Another, We Can Be a Blessing!

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