The Women's Bookshop - Ponsonby

105 Ponsonby Road, Auckland | 09 376 4399 | [email protected]

The Women’s Bookshop is the local purveyor of fine words in Ponsonby Road, a staple in a vibrant area with a thriving bar and cafe scene, as well as many specialty shops.

The bookshop was launched in April of 1989 with a large party and plenty of wine; after much persuasion and assurance of Carole’s capabilities from Pat Rosier, editor of Broadsheet (New Zealand’s feminist magazine). 33 years on, it’s strikingly evident that Carole actualised the potential that, at the time, she did not see that she had. 

Our purpose has always been to promote women's writing and to provide books reflecting women's diverse lives and interests. We also have lots of men customers and we welcome them. In recent years we have become one of New Zealand’s leading specialists in therapy and counselling books. We also have a large section dedicated to LGBTQIA+ books, authors, and readers.

“They are legends! Carole & her team at The Women’s Bookshop are an LGBTQI+ favourite & generous Rainbow Community supporters. They welcome men & give fantastic service” - Karen Knight, Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust.

As a quality, independent New Zealand bookstore, we are renowned for our passion for books and our personal service. This includes fast, efficient postage NZ-wide, and a commitment to sourcing special orders for our customers.

“Best bookshop in Aotearoa! The first place to go for gifts, with a great range - something for all ages and interests. Every interaction reinforces the knowledge and passion the staff have for writers and their work. Carole and her team have created a community of readers and friends.” -  Alison Kagen, regular customer

We have won many awards, most recently the Booksellers Award for best marketing campaign 2016.

We host frequent events - hosting book launches and author signings in the shop as well as working on larger off-site events such as the Auckland Writers Festival. We run an annual Ladies’ Litera-Tea with a line-up of 12 NZ women authors with recently published books and enjoy an afternoon of bookish talks, treats and tea. 

We are also much more than a bookshop. We are a community resource providing such services as a noticeboard; information about events, courses and community happenings; selling tickets and providing a friendly inviting space where women can meet. We love books by, for, and about women and are dedicated to providing a safe space for them to be celebrated. 

“The Women’s Bookshop is like a beating heart for women in the centre of the city. Carole is a feminist legend, who over three decades has championed women’s literature through the Listener Women’s Books Festivals in the 90s, through her radio and television reviews, her involvement in the Auckland Writers Festival, the book launches at her store, and her annual Ladies’ Litera-Tea events. While the work of male authors is included at The Women’s Bookshop, it must be one of a very few public spaces that offers a kind of intellectual retreat where women can be empowered and inspired to be braver, bolder, wilder and more staunch. This is a precious institution, a taonga in our nation’s bookselling community - long may it thrive.” - Deborah Shepard