Libraries, Bookstores, & More: Austin, TX
BookWoman Bookstore, Austin, TX
BookWoman
“I am strong. I am invincible. I am woman.” -Helen Reddy
Those are the words that rang in my head upon crossing the threshold of BookWoman—a place where empowering the feminine divine, embodies the diversity and eclecticism of everything that makes Austin, Texas great.
Known as the “live music capital of the world,” Austin is one of two of the oldest paleolithic archeological sites in Texas, with evidence of inhabitation of nomadic Native American tribes from upwards of eleven thousand years ago. Like many municipalities in the Southwest region, Austin’s first European settlers were from Spain and arrived in July of 1730. With the end of the Texas Revolution, by 1839, the capitol of the newly Republic of Texas moved from its residence in Houston to Austin, where it still is today.
Like many other gulf-states, Austin’s architecture pays homage to its Spanish roots along with a mixture of Southern charm—but unlike its counterparts, both in respect to other states within the gulf and cities within the state of Texas, Austin boasts a community that is centered around an alternative culture that is built upon diversity and liberalism.
Strength in Books
Titled after a poem by Judy Grahn, what is known now as BookWoman was once called, The Common Woman Bookstore—and was started forty-five-years ago in an upstairs shop on Guadalupe. In time, the store eventually adopted its current name and moved to the North Lamar location that it is still housed in today.
The best word to describe BookWoman upon pulling up to the store is …unsuspecting. Like many storefronts in Austin, it pulls no fuss and stops in respect to presentation and architecture; but what it lacks in opulence, and simplicity in design, it makes up for, in its selection of books. As a woman, when walking in to BookWoman, you get an eerie feeling that you have arrived—your surroundings of voices of women, past and present, echoes in the pages of books sprawled across the walls, gives you a sense of home and strength. The diversity in titles of woman authors seemed to be picked and designed to make you a better you through books, which is something I always love to see and enjoy when visiting a new bookstore.
For the Kids
As with many other bookstores, BookWoman offers many books for small children; but unlike other stores, their titles and authors are more diversified, making it a fairly unique literary experience, which my children truly enjoyed. For us, it was easy to find books that were representative of them, as well as other cultures while there.
Texas House of Representatives Chambers
Places to Bring your Book
Although space is limited in BookWoman, the city of Austin provides a myriad of places to bring your book. If you’re looking for a place that affords a leisurely stroll in a beautiful garden enclosed around an architectural masterpiece, I recommend a visit to the Texas State Capitol. Not only is the capitol surrounded by twenty-acres of sprawling green lawns, beautiful mature trees, benches, and monuments to see, but the capitol itself is a MUST see—its beautiful representation of the Italian Renaissance Revival-style, was masterfully constructed and an enjoyable experience. For us, it was a great opportunity to discuss with our children about American history and the structure of our government, while being surrounded by grandeur. Also, a pleasant surprise that we found, was the presence of parakeets dodging in and out of trees; they were beautiful to watch.
Located just an hour outside of Austin is Jacob’s Well. A perennial karstic spring, Jacob’s Well is made up of the karst hydrological system that boasts a twelve-foot diameter mouth, creek, and intricate caves within the “belly of the well.” The fresh water pumped from the spring offers a great opportunity to cool off from the Texas heat and have a light read. However, be sure to purchase your tickets and hold your place as soon as you can—swim times book up quickly, sometimes weeks in advanced.
If you’d like something a bit livelier, Downtown Austin offers a myriad of places to suit your fancy; from live music, coffee houses, and restaurants and bars, downtown can make for an exciting day of shopping, people watching, and just enjoying the beauty and variety of different Austin communities.
Places to Eat
Despite its reputation for its live music scene, Austin is also a foodie’s dream. Given the innovation and youth of its city, Austin has seemed to master the delicate balance of combining trends and niches with tasty eats that are built of quality and goodness, rather than showiness. If you’re looking for a quick snack or breakfast, head over to Lola’s Donuts for some delicious coffee and fluffy treats. Be sure to get there early, as they close by 1 pm. For the girly girl in you, have some tacos at Taquero Mucho. I recommend the West Ave. location. In need of a snack? Follow up your tacos with some gelato from Gelato Paradiso for dessert.
If these don’t tickle your fancy, you can always go downtown to find whatever it is your heart desires.
Places to Stay
As a large city, there are many options for lodging in Austin. During our stay, we used an Airbnb. However, you can check out the Visit Austin page for a comprehensive list of places to stay.
With its eclectic nature and vibe, I must admit that Austin won me over. So, if you want to become your favorite heroine or just read about one, then visit BookWoman and the city of Austin in the great Lone Star State.
