Libraries & Bookstores

Originally a small bookstore opened in 1970 near the University of Texas called Grok Books (after the Robert A. Heinlein book Stranger in a Strange Land) today BookPeople is the largest independent bookstore in Texas. Located adjacent to the Whole Foods flagship store downtown at 6th and Lamar, this multi story 40,000 square feet bookstore sells books, magazines, audio books, cards and stationary, jewelry, gifts and arts and crafts from around the world. Voted “The Best Bookstore in Austin” by readers of the Austin Chronicle every year since 1984, BookPeople has a comfortable atmosphere filled with nooks and crannies where you can curl up in an armchair with an old favorite or a new discovery. BookPeople has frequent booksignings and events that showcase local and national authors. The store also contains BookKids (BookPeople for Kids and Teens) and a schedule of literary camps and events for young people.

First opened in 1975 as a collective called The Common Woman Bookstore (based on the Judy Grahn poem) BookWoman offers not only the largest selection of books by and about women in Texas, but provides a performance space, a safe space and a center for education and outreach for all types of women. A variety of readings and discussion groups are regularly held at BookWoman. Supporting the careers of local female writers, artists and musicians, BookWoman's stated goal is to value books as cultural and intellectual expressions, not merely commodities. While BookWoman guarantees the availability of books by feminists, lesbians and woman of color, the store also stocks books on many issues relating to women as well as children's books including some titles in Spanish. BookWoman also carries a unique selection of gift items, T-shirts, cards, posters, and music.