Women & Children First

Why it matters: founded in 1979 by Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon, this Andersonville institution is one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country and a longtime anchor of Chicago’s queer and women-owned business community. The shelves hold 30,000-plus titles, strong on women writers, LGBTQ fiction and a lovely kids’ section. Check the events calendar – author readings here draw big names and loyal locals. Pair a visit with a stroll along Clark Street’s Swedish-rooted shopping strip.