Rise Up! Feminist Digital Archive
A Digital Archive of Feminist Activism
The Northern Women’s Bookstore was founded by Margaret Phillips and Anna McColl in 1984 in Thunder Bay. The need for such a bookstore emerged through discussion by the Northern Women Journal Collective. It acted as a hub for many book launches, workshops, and writing groups and carried a selection of woman-centered, First Nations and Metis literature, books by local writers, as well as those dealing with violence, lesbian issues, and women’s health. Following the death of founder Margaret Phillips, the bookstore closed in 2016 after 31 years.
Adapted from text for 50th Anniversary Exhibit
In 1984, Margaret Phillips and Anna McColl co-founded the Northern Women’s Bookstore.From discussions held by the Collective of the Northern Woman Journal – one of Canada’s longest running feminist newspapers – it became evident there was a demand for women’s literature, and no available bookstore within 1,000 miles.
From a cubbyhole on Bay Street with 300 titles, the bookstore changed locations over the years, expanding its book selection, and in 1992 moved to Court Street. The site was large enough for book readings, potlucks, a book club, and the space to host a writing group
As Margaret Phillips stated: “From the beginning an important role of the bookstore was to take books to women’s gatherings throughout the district, to ensure readers from smaller and isolated communities had access to our books.”
The Northern Woman’s Bookstore carried a selection of woman-centered, First Nations and Metis literature, books by local writers, as well as those dealing with violence, lesbian issues, and women’s health. They hosted book launches, music events, book clubs, writers’ circles, art installations, and workshops. Northern Woman’s Bookstore provided a safe and supporting place for women and the writing community to gather and strengthen their voices.
