This beloved local NYC bookstore is closing after 26 years in business

In the quarter-century since it first opened its doors on 116 Suffolk Street, Bluestockings has been more than just a bookstore, though it's undoubtedly been one of New York's best. The Lower East Side shop's full name, Bluestockings Cooperative, is more indicative of the community gathering space the venue has served as for women, queer and transgender folks, sex workers and more since 1999. It's part social justice clearinghouse, with stacks upon stacks of radical reads and feminist titles; part fair-trade cafe, fueled with tasty organic and vegan options; and part activist center, with a schedule busy with open mic nights, sewing circles and de-escalation training sessions. 

But, sadly, it's now time to say goodbye to Bluestockings, as owners have announced that the store will be closing its doors and ceasing all operations by the end of the year, per a statement posted to its website and social media handles on September 22.

"The current, former worker-owners, and staff part of the sunsetting crew are gutted to be delivering this news," began the notice. "After 26+ years of serving marginalized communities as an independent feminist bookstore, event hub, and all-around radical community space, the daily operations are unfortunately no longer sustainable on multiple fronts."

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After thanking longtime patrons for the support and contributions that "have sustained the spirit of this radical bookstore for years," the team noted that the closure was the "absolute last resort," adding that "the remaining worker-owner and staff are at the limits of what they can manage in terms of health, disability, and finances." 

A hefty monthly rent, which the team revealed was $12,000 a month on top of thousands of dollars in utilities, was one major problem with continuing to run the collectively run space, but also "the shared failures of multiple cohorts to come to consensus around the guiding principles and practices Bluestockings should embody to move forward as a worker-owned cooperative that serves as a radical bookstore, cafe, and community event space." Per a Gothamist report, even the closure itself has caused conflicts within the co-op.

"We’ve made a lot of mistakes, but the lack of political and business-operations alignment on upholding the responsibilities of our space has directly led to many of the setbacks we’ve faced the last two years," the team's statement continues. 

As of now, the doors are officially closed, though the Bluestockings crew does plan to fulfill any book orders through the end of 2025. Memberships will officially shut down on December 15, though outstanding member perks will continue until that time. "We will unfortunately not be able to host any programming or events that may have been scheduled after [September 22], and we’re deeply sorry for these abrupt cancellations," the team announced. 

"We hope to share more in the near future on what’s next. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who’s shared space with us. To everyone who came to Bluestockings and found a book that helped defined their radical ethos, who came to an event to support collective liberation, who found love and community over what our world could be," capped off the closing announcement.