3. Bluestockings
Named after The Blue Stockings Society, a mid-18th century English political movement and literary discussion group to promote literature written by and for women, Bluestockings bookstore and activist center aims to provide people with socially conscious literature. Originally founded in 1999, the Lower East Side bookstore on 172 Allen Street is a place where community members can share and distribute resources to make the world a more equitable place. Staying true to its feminist roots, Bluestockings offers a lot of books that share the stories of various types of marginalized people.
This volunteer-powered bookstore encourages community dialogue about social issues while also offering visitors access to a fair trade cafe. Through a series of monthly workshops, performances, and readings, Bluestocking aims to create a safe place for discussing topics such as gender studies, political theory, racial education, oppression, intersectionality, and the environment.