Women & Children First

Such a fantastic selection of diverse and inclusive books!! And the staff are truly so kind and helpful. This bookstore also hosts some of the best bookish/author events in the city! I plan to come again as often as possible!

Great independent bookstore with great titles and staff picks. Also the human who checked me out recommended a great lunch spot around the corner. Some areas of the store were a little tight in my wheelchair.

Wonderful bookstore! Places like this are important. They have a huge book selection on feminism, LGBTQ+ literature, POC authors and children books. I’m so incredibly surprised by the effort to gather the curated selection that they offer. A very welcoming atmosphere as well as a feel of community. There’s lots of sections with staff’s recommendations. Staff is nice and friendly. So happy safe spaces like this exist ❤️

this book store has such a fabulous collection of books, and I was holding myself back from buying so much more. the staff leaves thoughtful recommendations all throughout which are fun to read. also as of April 2023, masks are required, providing a safe space for all. definitely will be back !

Great options, friendly staff that give good recommendations. There are also recommendation cards scattered throughout the books if you're feeling antisocial :) They also have book-related merch (cards/stationery, calendars, notebooks, etc).

Loved this bookstore. It has lots of staff recommendations with thoughtful descriptions which I really enjoyed and appreciated. There are also beautiful greeting cards. Masks inside are required as of October 2023.

You do have to wear a mask when you do come in and they provide free masks. Everyone wants to moan about how COVID is over and no one wants to talk about the flu. Masks can prevent transmission of common sicknesses most of the time. Before I came here, I did see one star reviews saying that they were anti-black. The moment I parked, I saw Black Lives Matter flags all over their windows. They have POC employees and have a wonderful section of black literature. So I’m pretty sure that the majority of the one star reviews are fake. I had asked an employee for recommendations and they picked out their favorites and their coworkers favorites as well. Very knowledgeable and friendly. If you don’t wanna talk to anyone, they do have written little postcard recommendations about books on the bookshelves. They have an amazing kid section that I would’ve loved when I was little. For such a small store, they try and pack every genre.

Amazing bookstore! So many options for all reading levels and all genres! I love the pins, pencils, and pens they have for sale too. An author was there for a signing! Great staff and great location too.

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.

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.

The program director is a small minded woman. My friend wrote a bio of a groundbreaking gay woman. She wrote a proposal for a book event that got turned down. I went into the store to discuss the possibility of her taking another look at the proposal. She was very pedantic. These are the rules and she wouldn't even hear my friend's story. She shut me down with no regard to who my friend was and how much she means to the gay community. Reminded me of a small person with a little power

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

I am not sure what happened to the store after all the years of going there. I was extremely disturbed number one to see their open support of Palestine and a free Palestine. My one question is, don't they realize that they could not be free in that country and that they would also be murdered. I asked for books on Israel, but there was really limited source and they kept trying to give me ones on Palestine. It's sad to see your main state of the community. Go downhill like this.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This used to be an amazing feminist bookstore that was a pillar of the Chicago feminist community. I grew up reading children's books from here and then later teen and adult books. Now it is a pillar of insufferable wokeness with rude, entitled employees. In a transparent and cowardly attempt to stay with the zeitgeist it has abandoned its original mission and those it was meant to serve in favor of all trans all the time. (gee where would anyone get the idea that women and children first is supposed to be for...women and children). Not only has this deviated from their original mission, it is actively hostile to many women and feminists and no longer stocks many feminist books because they are considered "anti-trans." A convenient catch-all term for things you simply don't like or disagree with. I can't stand this bookstore anymore and will no longer be supporting them, but this makes me really sad as it was once an invaluable feminist space and just a great bookstore. In addition to their aggressive politics and obnoxious employees, the one book I bought here recently and it had a quite damaged spine. They reluctantly agreed to exchange it for me and then the second one also had a damaged spine. At that point, I gave up.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I've been here many times over the years and have never had anything less than a pleasant experience! Employees are very friendly and knowledgeable. The bookstore has a charming and unique selection.

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.

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!

I am a conscious male with a 2 year old son. I am pro woman and enjoy looking through the poetry and children's books here. I often bring my son in while we are out on walks as we live in Andersonville. I have to say I have never had a good experience at this store. I rarely, if ever write reviews on Yelp but after my last visit I couldn't help it. Last time I was in with my son the 2 woman working behind the counter we're loudly discussing a story about a woman getting raped. Though they were talking at a very high level and there were several young individuals in the store, it didn't seem to bother them. When I approached the register to purchase a moleskine notebook, I was second in line, behind 2 young girls who had a question. We were patiently waiting while the 2 workers continued a story, fully looking at us and ignoring us. When finally they asked the girls if they needed anything, the girls asked if they carried a certain book, to which the one worker said "no" very nastily, these sweet girls walked off defeatedly, I couldn't believe it. I then put the notebook on the table and she took my card and handed me a receipt without eye contact or any words-(this is common for me here). This is not to mention the time I had to pick up my son and leave the store because there was a woman sitting in the children's section with a bottle of whiskey on the floor that he was trying to grab... Bottom line there is a pervasive tone of entitlement among the staff, I can't see even why that is a factor in a book store... I will not be visiting again. I suggest you do the same. I would be curious to see if others have had similar experiences, especially men and parents. In case the owner reads this-the woman discussing rape and being rude was a shorter, short haired woman(check out lady/rape story teller) and the other was a bald African American woman.

This is probably my favorite bookstore that I've patronized in Chicago. Decent selection with a bent toward feminist and social justice literature. Situation right in the heart of Andersonville is a definite plus too!

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. :)

This bookstore is the best of the best. They mean so much to me as a woman, an ally, a reader, a Chicagoan, and a frequent visitor to Andersonville. You want to support small businesses? Shop here. You want to support women, the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBTQ rights, and other important communities? Shop here. You want great books!?!? SHOP HERE!!!! WCF carries a great selection and always has lots of recommendations posted around the store. They'll order books for you that aren't in stock. They have a great shelf of lit mags, which makes me extra-happy. They also host tons of readings and events including Drag Queen Story Hour and activist get-togethers. A place like this is so absolutely crucial to have in the community, especially now. Through WCF, I've met authors like Roxane Gay and Ann Patchett. Also, I brought a young woman here once who had recently come out. All around Andersonville she was looking around and noticing Pride flags and equality stickers and feeling stoked about it. When we came into WCF, she felt so at home. She bought her own little Pride flag and walked out with it waving from her pocket. I THANK YOU for giving us that experience. I thank you for being who you are in our community! I thank you for being a place that I recommend, where I direct people who are struggling, because you're such a light and a resource and a strength and a joy. THANK YOU THANK YOU! You're the best!

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.

Love this book store so much! They have such a great and diverse selection of so many types of books, for adults and kids. They also have super cute Knick knacks- like cards, magnets, journals, pens, totes, etc. The vibe of this bookstore is so great. Very inclusive of everyone. The workers are extremely helpful and kind. Every time I go I want to buy everything I see; but my budget won't allow that! Ha. Overall, highly recommend this bookstore.

One of my all time hometown favorites! This bookstore is an Andersonville staple for good reason. They uplift the community by being vocal when important, have taken immense safety precautions during the pandemic to protect their customers and have books you can't get anywhere else in person!

I walked in recently, stumbling upon a poetry reading, and learned that this is a real community bookstore. The book selection is nicely varied, and I got lost browsing through books while quietly listening to the reading. It looks like they have regular book club meetings here as well which I look forward to checking out as an avid reader and full on book nerd! Also, I was happy to find a card section because I always seem to need a good card store for special occasions.

I understand that businesses are stressed during Covid. I called to let them know that I was on my way for curbside pickup, and they were incredibly rude. The worker on the phone laughed at me and ridiculed me when I didn't understand her question. I'll be giving my business to one of the other independent bookstores in the city.

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!

Amazing bookstore with pretty good customer service! Feminist bookstores are sacred spaces that always need more support so I'm always happy when I get a chance to stop by. Last I went they were only doing curbside pickup, but I'm not sure if that's changed. I'll be back once it's reopened!

I love that this place exists! The staff are always so friendly to me and so helpful. I've found a lot of very interesting books here that I didn't even know existed. It's important to have shops like this so that more niche information and stories told by minorities have a store where all that information is in the same place. I've been able to educate myself better about transgender health, income inequality, feminism, race, etc. Not to mention they have a ton of cute postcards, bags, and other little doo-dads. If you're looking for stuff like that, this is the place to go.

This is the first place our son wants to go when he has book money in hand, and the excellent staff are tremendously helpful at helping him plan ahead for when his favorite authors will release the next book in his favorite series. Oh, and their ADULT book selection is thoughtful and expansive.