Bluestockings
“Bluestockings is less of a bookstore and more like a series of great counterculture, feminist, and leftist booklists + cafe.”
“Bluestockings is open every single day from 11am to 11pm which is admirable for a small local bookstore run by volunteers.”
“They also have great calendars and eco-fem products like Diva Cups.”
Bluestockings
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Working: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range Moderate
8 reviews
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One of the most amazing gems of a bookstore in NYC. I stumbled upon Bluestockings and I'm so glad i did. I loved the art on display and the array of books that were available. I'm so looking forward to heading back here and seeing what new books and items they have available.
This space is my favorite in Manhattan– as an activist, I'm thrilled that the books here are focused on social issues: queer theory, feminism, race / racism, activist strategies. It is a go-to place if you want to read books that are mind-opening and relevant to everyday life in ways you might not expect.
I've been deeply impressed at how the volunteers are always up for a conversation with me. I once came up to them four times to ask them questions and give them suggestions about books to stock in their store, and they weren't annoyed by that.
That's why this place is more than a bookstore– it's a place to not only read, but to have conversations about social issues, enjoy a cup of tea, attend an event, or play a game of chess.
What I like most about Bluestockings and their volunteers are that they take their Safer Space Policy seriously, because they want to make Bluestockings a welcoming place for every type of person. I felt and appreciated that the most when I came here after a tough night of processing some harassing interactions, and one of the volunteers, Dan, was up for listening when I asked him to talk.
Also, the Feminist Zinefest Reading that happened here several nights ago was packed– some folks were standing for during most of the event– and that shows how much this space adds to the Lower East Side community.
On our way to Pala Pizza, on a beautiful Saturday night, we stumbled into this place. WHY, you might be wondering?? Simple……My wife, is an avid reader and book enthusiast. Having written a novel of her own , she appreciates a good read along with the rest of us. The bookstore is independently operated , by the looks of it. They have an interesting selection with authors i have never heard off. As I perused through the sections , I noticed that the books covered various topics as Transgender, Rape, Civil War history and even Tupac Amaru. Not the same Tupac that we know and love from music, but the Tupac who was apparently a Spanish ruler of some sort. Definitely need to do my research into that.
This is a quaint bookstore and there is even an area where you can sit, drink coffee and read the books. I was surprised to learn that all the people "working" there are actually volunteers. Will stop by here if I'm in the area for a nice read.
AHHH!! This bookstore is amazing. This is the first place I've been to where I feel completely at home, comfortable, and safe {since graduating university}. Seriously, this is a judgment free zone, and you can strike up conversations at random and make new friends.
This social justice driven book shop is a great place to continue those intellectual conversations and question norms without getting too quagmired in the academic discourse. Bring a book, and an open-mind 🙂
Discovered this little LES gem while dining in the area. I'm usually a Barnes-and-Nobles-kinda gal, but this laid-back and no-nonsense bookstore was a nice fresh breath of air. I was actually unaware of its feminist background until I read the reviews here, but the overall homey feeling of the store drew me in right away. There are reading areas near the entrance with college kids and their "intellectual" heated discussions over the latest indie movies. Local baked goods and coffee at the counter. Clean petite restroom in the back that suggests non-employees should consider washing their hands even though they don't work there. This is a book haven where I truly feel like I can just relax and drown myself in the wonderful sea of books.
Highly recommended!
Bluestockings is the dangerous kind of bookstore where I end up finding dozens of books I want to read and spending too much money on them – radical books, fiction, queer media, yes please! It's also a great spot for zines, community events, and to get a cup of tea and read for a bit.
One of my favorite book stores in NYC. Collectively run (all the employees are volunteers), and well stocked with books and zines on feminism, anarchism, radical politics, queer theory, and more. Really nice staff-I always feel welcomed and comfortable in this space.
Bluestockings frequently has great free events open to the public-I have come here many times to see readings and guest speakers. It is inspiring to see a small independent business still surviving and encouraging community/activism in the ever gentrifying Lower East Side. Check this place out for unique reading material, and grab a cup of fair trade coffee or tea ($1) and a vegan treat to go with it.
I've known about Bluestockings for years and have been on the mailing list, but never made it out for events until this summer. It was my great loss for not discovering how much of a gem it is until now. The quality and range of critical theory, social justice books is fantastic, even what's available in the kids and young adult sections. Volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable about the titles as well as making your drinks. The space is malleable to accommodate groups and talks of many sizes without complaint. It definitely feels like a haven for engaged minds, reinforced by its safer space policy. In all honesty, though, the vibe has strong white feminist overtones, which is why the draw was a bit weak for me for so long. But it does what it does really well, and is not wholly exclusive of the needs of others in the struggle. The answer is we just need more spaces like this to focus on the other intersectional issues!