Evanston, IL

What are the 3 adjectives you would use to describe your bookstore? Cozy, colorful and warm

Share a quote from a book or poem that bares your bookstore’s soul. “There is two things everybody got to find out for theirselves. They got to find out about love and they got to find out about living.” ~ Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God

Why was your bookstore founded/what role does it play in the community? Zora’s Place is a love letter to the local community. As Evanston’s first Black woman-owned feminist bookstore, we create space for cultural connection, community care, and collective joy. We spotlight Black women writers, partner with local artists and makers, and host events that bring people together—from children’s storytime to author talks and wellness workshops. We’re not just selling books; we’re building belonging. Zora’s Place contributes to the local creative economy, uplifts underrepresented voices, and offers a healing space where folks can rest, reflect, and resist through reading.