A new bookshop has opened in the heart of Goodwood’s arts precinct that is dedicated to celebrating women’s writing.
Goodwood Books, co-owned by Emma Coventry and Sarah Tooth, is located in the inner-southern suburb of Goodwood, just south of the Capri Cinema, across the road from Goodwood Institute Theatre & Studios.
Ms Tooth, who also owns the much-loved Blackwood Books, said the idea to open a women’s bookshop came out of an ongoing conversation she and Emma Coventry were having between themselves and with their children.
“We are both avid readers and would reminisce about Adelaide’s iconic Murphy Sisters feminist bookshop, and how much we missed that expansive collection and welcoming space. We wished such a place still existed for the next generation to enjoy.
“So we decided to do something about that gap in Adelaide’s vibrant book community by creating a space to reflect our own reading history and our own inclusive, feminist politics,” Sarah said.
The bookstore isn’t just putting a spotlight on female-driven literature but also the trans and non-binary community as well. Goodwood Books intends to be a safe space where bibliophiles can congregate and take a peek into someone else’s shoes that aren’t too dissimilar to your own.
Goodwood Books is situated in an old chemist dispensary featuring original art deco stained glass windows, polished floorboards and a gorgeous vintage, cosy vibe.
The shop is filled with carefully curated secondhand, rare and forgotten books by twentieth-century women across every genre, from fiction to gardening, feminism, poetry, science, transport, philosophy, design, art and architecture, music and film, spirituality and craft. There is also a small but growing collection of first editions and rare books on their website at goodwoodbooks.com.au.
Sarah says she and Emma are developing Goodwood Books into more than a bookshop, to become a community space for readers, with book exhibitions, performances, group meetings and launches.
To kick off the festive season, Emma and Sarah are bringing the first Book the Bookshop experience to Adelaide.
“We understand readers’ visceral reaction to walking into a beautiful bookshop—we feel it every
day—so we are offering people the chance to book the space for an exclusive bookshop experience complete with unlimited cups of tea!” Sarah said.
The bookstore “lock-in” as it were could serve as your next book club meeting, a first date or even a dinner.
Find Goodwood Books at 145 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood SA 5034
More News
