What kind of bookstore is Zora’s Place?

Zora’s Place is Evanston’s first Black feminist bookstore—a cozy, creative space where Black stories are centered, celebrated, and shared. Our shelves feature books by authors of all backgrounds, but our heart beats for works by Black women and nonbinary authors. We also carry curated wellness goods, journals, and gifts that align with our mission: Read. Rest. Resist.

Do you only sell books by Black women and nonbinary authors?

Not exclusively. While our mission centers Black women and nonbinary voices—especially in the genres of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, and children’s books—we also carry titles from Black authors of all identities whose work reflects our values of equity, justice, joy, and liberation.

I’m a self-published author. Will you carry my book?

We love supporting local authors! However, due to limited shelf space and our commitment to intentional curation, we only accept self-published books from Black women and nonbinary authors who are local to Evanston and the greater Chicagoland area.

If that’s you, please review our Author Submission Guidelines and complete our Author Submission Form for consideration. We review submissions quarterly and will reach out if your title is a fit.

How do you decide which books to carry?

Our selection process is rooted in our mission and values. We prioritize:

• Books by Black women and nonbinary authors

• Stories that center Black experiences across all genres

• Titles that spark joy, inspire critical thinking, and foster community dialogue

We also consider literary merit, audience interest, and space limitations when making decisions.

Do you host events?

Absolutely! We host author talks, book signings, storytime, wellness workshops, open mics, and more. Keep an eye on our Events Page or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop.

Can I rent Zora’s Place for a private event?

Yes! Our cozy space is available for small gatherings such as book launches, birthday parties, or community meetings. Visit our Private Event Rentals page for rates, availability, and rental policies.

Do you buy used books?

Not at this time. Our inventory is entirely new and intentionally selected to align with our mission.

What’s your return policy?

All returns must be made within 7 days of purchase. We cannot accept any returned items without a receipt or proof of purchase. Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were purchased. We reserve the right to decline a return if the book appears to have been read or damaged since purchase.

Shrink-wrapped or otherwise sealed items will not be accepted if opened or without their original packaging.

All sales from our discount section, as well as all bulk purchases, preorders, and special orders, are final.

Is Zora’s Place accessible?

Yes! Zora’s Place is located inside The Aux Wellness Collective, which offers a ground-level entrance with no stairs and we have accessible restrooms on site.

If you have specific accessibility needs or questions before your visit, please email us at hello@zorasplace.com so we can make your experience as smooth as possible.

How can I support Zora’s Place?

• Shop in-store or online via our Bookshop.org page

• Attend our events

• Spread the word to friends, family, and book clubs

• Contribute to our ongoing crowdfunding campaign

What’s the best way to get in touch?

For general inquiries, email us at hello@zorasplace.com.
For author submissions, please complete our Author Submission Form.
For event rentals, visit our Private Event Rentals page..