A new bookstore in Evanston is quickly becoming more than just a place to buy books. Zora's Place, the city's only Black-woman-owned bookstore, opened its doors in September and has already established itself as a vital community hub, drawing visitors from across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Founded by journalist and author L'Oreal Thompson Payton, the store focuses on Black feminist literature and provides a welcoming space that celebrates Black women's voices and experiences. Since its grand opening, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, signaling a strong demand for such a dedicated literary space in the community.
Key Takeaways
- Zora's Place, Evanston's only Black-woman-owned bookstore, opened in September at The AUX on Washington Street.
- The store specializes in Black feminist literature and products from Black-woman-owned businesses.
- It functions as a community space, hosting events like author talks, family story times, and writer workshops.
- The bookstore has seen strong early success, with popular genres including self-help, wellness, and diverse children's books.
A Vision Realized in Evanston
L'Oreal Thompson Payton's vision for Zora's Place was to create a sanctuary. Located within The AUX, a business hub designed to support minority-led enterprises, the bookstore has become a destination for readers seeking connection and representation. Thompson Payton described the feeling she wants to evoke for every person who walks through the door.
"When you come in here, you can breathe, you can be, you can exhale," she said. "That’s what I set out to do, so it means a lot to hear that is how it’s resonating with people as well."
This sentiment has been echoed by visitors. Shortly after opening, Thompson Payton recalled an older Black woman telling her, "I am proud of you." That moment solidified the store's purpose as a valued space that centers the experiences of Black women.
The bookstore's influence extends beyond Evanston's city limits. Customers have traveled from surrounding areas like Waukegan, Oak Park, and Gurnee to visit, highlighting the regional importance of the new establishment.
Curating a Collection with Purpose
The shelves at Zora's Place are carefully curated to reflect its mission. While Black feminist literature is a cornerstone, the selection is broad and serves a diverse readership. Thompson Payton noted that some of the most popular genres have been a reflection of current societal needs.
High-Demand Genres
Self-help and wellness books are among the store's bestsellers. According to owner L'Oreal Thompson Payton, these sections require constant restocking. "I feel like it’s representative of the time that we are in and people, especially Black women, want to focus on their health and wellness," she explained.
Another critical section is the children's literature. Many customers visit specifically to find books that feature Black and brown characters, providing essential representation for young readers. Shanequa Taylor, a fitness instructor at The AUX Wellness Collective and a frequent visitor, often buys books for her six-year-old nephew.
"My sister mentioned, ‘I can’t find any books by Black authors,’" Taylor said. Now, she has a local spot to find exactly what her family is looking for.
Beyond the Usual Picks
The store also encourages literary exploration. Chasity Cooper, a writer, sommelier, and third-generation Evanston resident, hosted a wine and book pairing during the grand opening. She now visits weekly, using the opportunity to discover books outside her preferred genres.
"Now, I need to read some of the classics," Cooper mentioned, noting the availability of iconic authors like Toni Morrison and the store's namesake, Zora Neale Hurston.
Building a Community, One Event at a Time
Zora's Place has quickly distinguished itself as an active community gathering space. Thompson Payton has organized a variety of events designed to bring people together through a shared love of literature and culture.
Since its opening just over a month ago, the store has hosted:
- Family story times: Engaging young readers and their parents.
- Author talks: Connecting readers with the creators behind the books.
- Write-ins: Providing a collaborative space for writers to work on their projects.
- Special events: Including unique gatherings like the wine and book pairing.
The Founder's Multifaceted Role
Running a new bookstore is a demanding job, but L'Oreal Thompson Payton balances it with several other roles. She is also a freelance journalist, an author, and a mother to a four-year-old. "It’s a lot," she admitted. "I’m still figuring that out, if I’m being perfectly honest, but I have a great community." This community support is central to both her personal and professional success.
Looking ahead, Thompson Payton is full of ideas for future programming. She is careful to pace herself to avoid burnout, a common challenge for new business owners. Plans in development include a Halloween-themed family yoga class and more guest author visits.
She is also dreaming bigger. Potential future events include open mic nights, themed book clubs, and even intimate, Tiny Desk Concert-style performances with local artists like singer and poet Pam R. Johnson Davis. These plans underscore her commitment to making Zora's Place a dynamic cultural center in Evanston.