Share your experiences at TWB
“Toronto Women’s Bookstore opened the same year that I immigrated to Canada from England, post-University. A stranger then in Toronto, I hoped I might, with luck, become a part of the growing book world in Canada, and I remember being immensely excited and inspired by the small store that was nevertheless so large in spirit and ambition. Like favourite bookstores in London or Paris or New York, it offered a sense of ‘home’ to its customers as well as the women writers whose works it showcased–truly a place of community, one that valued not only the community of women but also the community of the city as a whole, and generously welcomed everyone through its doors. Over the last thirty years, what a landmark it has become!–a place of political activism, a place of learning, supporting good writing with commitment and great heart, playing a leading role in sponsoring readings by international writers as well as Toronto’s devoted locals, a place of continuing inspiration for women writers and readers. We should all thank heaven for TWB, and its great staff, and that it has had the bravery and smarts to weather thirty years to become a treasure of this city. Thank you for being a ‘home’ to so many women. May there be a century more anniversaries for TWB!”
– Louise Dennys, Executive Publisher, Knopf Canada
“The Toronto Women’s Bookstore connects me to ideas and community. When I go there, I find out what women are doing politically – with all the complexities that implies – and what women are thinking all over the world. Anyone who attended the bookstore’s 30 anniversary picnic was blown away by the immense diversity of the people who came to celebrate – in terms of age, culture, sexuality, to name just a few. Plus, great programming and excellent advice from staff who always know what’s on the shelves. Happy anniversary.”
– Susan G. Cole, Entertainment/Books Editor NOW Magazine
“As a neighbour of the Toronto Women’s bookstore, which is located within the local Ward I represent, I have been a proud supporter of Toronto’s only feminist bookstore for many years. TWB is an important cultural institution for many different communities in Toronto. The bookstore thrives as a diverse haven supporting feminist and anti-oppression politics while joyously celebrating the achievements of women. Celebrating an amazing 30th anniversary this year, the Toronto Women’s Bookstore continues to successfully foster an environment that reflects and supports communities it serves. Every time I walk in to purchase books I’m greeted warmly by the staff and I’m always impressed by the level of knowledge they have about books and other community updates. The wide span of topics and books provided by this bookstore cannot be found anywhere else. It is truly a treasure”
- Olivia Chow, City of Toronto Councillor.
“The Toronto Women’s Bookstore has been the supplier of choice for University of Toronto Women’s Studies since the bookstore opened and Women’s Studies began – over 30 years ago. Because the service has always been exceptional, we have always had a productive partnership Not only does the bookstore go out of its way to meet our requests for course books, but Women’s Studies is also grateful for the award that the bookstore funds each year for one of our students. Community programs and book events hosted by the bookstore have been vitally important for the women’s movement in Toronto.”
– Kay Armatage Professor, University of Toronto, Film Studies
“It should come as no surprise that the Toronto Women’s Book Store continues to thrive after 30 years – its staff are savvy, resourceful, and innovative in their approach to the business of books. The store not only houses excellent reading material on any subject, it offers regular community-based programming in the form of workshops and classes, brings in major international literary successes to conduct readings here, and promotes small press and local under-represented authors at the same time. I have known this store and its staff both as a customer and as an author whose work they carry. TWB is one of our city’s best treasures.”
– Elizabeth Ruth, author and customer.
“In thirty years, Toronto has ceased to be an international backwater and has become a glorious example of the progressive and dynamic and exciting social riches of multiculturalism, anti-racism, and anti-sexism – and the Toronto Women’s Bookstore has been there every inch of a journey that’s not finished yet–prodding, provoking, and stimulating readers to dream of sustainable and humane futures. Many, many loud, LOUD cheers of appreciation for being among citizens of goodwill in struggling for the social improvements we now enjoy and for inspiring new generations to build upon advances won. Here’s to another thirty years–and many more after this!”
– George Elliott Clarke Author, Professor of English, University of Toronto.
“The Toronto Women’s Bookstore is an important community resource. The staff are knowledgeable about recent titles on a variety of topics. The bookstore almost always has the titles I am looking for, and if they do not they are able to obtain them quickly. I buy books at the TWB as well as use their gift certificates for presents, which are always appreciated.”
– Kiran Mirchandani , professor and customer.
“I once special ordered a book from the bookstore. It had to come from Japan and so it was very expensive. The staff at the store were solicitous -there’s no other word to describe it. When they called to tell me the book was in, they also informed me of the necessarily exhorbitant price (which was actually lower than other prices I’d seen for the same book). They were kind enough to assure me they could hang on to the book until I could pay, rather than demanding that I come in immediately to pay for it lest they send it back. Very considerate and good humored. I love you, Toronto Women’s Bookstore!”
– Anonymous Customer.
“The Toronto Women’s Bookstore was the very first Toronto business that I experienced after arriving from England three years ago. Through my haze of jet lag, I knew that I had found a home base in the city. I bought Cruddy by Lynda Barry and Mouthing the Words by Camilla Gibb on the staff’s recommendations, loved them both, and have been back regularly to peruse new fiction and poetry, and order academic books that even the university library doesn’t have. Any store that has a range of amazing books, WonderWoman stationery, funky CDs, comix and zines, and tampons is worth the trek, even though now it’s no longer my neighbourhood bookstore. Unparalleled events planning (keep supporting poetry, TWB, you’re the last stand!), course books sold with enthusiasm and knowledge, a staff with diverse interests, and a back yard oasis from the city — who could ask for more from a bookstore? Happy birthday, congratulations, and — as we say in the Jewish tradition — may you live to one hundred and twenty!”
– Sophie Levy, former TWB Book Club Facilitator and customer.