In honor of Women’s History Month, Austin FC celebrates the legacy of Susan Post, a pioneering force in Austin’s literary and feminist communities. For 50 years, Post has made a lasting impact on the city, both as the owner of BookWoman and as a guiding light for women and marginalized voices.
In 1974, Post joined a group of women forming the Common Woman Bookstore on the Drag. A few years later, she became the bookstore’s sole owner, transforming it into BookWoman. "In the beginning, the bookstore was my side gig... I took a leap of faith, quit my day job, and kept the bookstore running with the desire to maintain a space where all women and girls mattered."
Through the years, BookWoman has been a sanctuary for feminist literature and a gathering place for those seeking connection and community.
“By being in business so long, I have had the privilege of being in the presence of three generations of the same family shopping at the store all at once," Post reflects. “And I have been able to witness the greater Austin community come to accept and even embrace our self-defined and continually evolving Feminist Space.”
BookWoman is more than a bookstore. It’s a place of refuge, support, and empowerment for Austin’s diverse communities, especially the LGBTQ+ and feminist movements. Susan Post has created a nurturing environment, offering resources for survivors of abuse, providing a platform for underrepresented voices, and welcoming people from all walks of life.
Susan Post’s influence extends beyond the walls of BookWoman. Her store is a symbol of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Austin’s diverse cultural identity. The legacy of BookWoman lives on as a testament to the power of community, and it will continue to inspire generations of Austinites who come together to share, grow, and support one another.
Susan Post. Part of The Heartbeat of Austin.
