The economic recession has been tough for retailers all over, and the few independent bookstores left were taking a real beating even before that from large stores like Chapters Indigo, Walmart and Amazon.

Usually, I'd just shrug and say "that's capitalism" but in the case of the Toronto Women's Bookstore, it really is more than just a bookstore. It really is an important fixture of the left and feminist movement in Toronto.

As Kristin Schwartz wrote in the recent issue of Canadian Dimension, independents matter.

The Toronto Women's Bookstore has always stocked a good amount of anarchist books and magazines and have helped sponsor and promote many progressive events in the city.

So when I read the letter they sent to the community I had to blog about it and encourage our readers to support them.

Please read the above letter for details and how to help, donate if you can and be sure to do your holiday shopping through their online store or in person at:

73 Harbord Street,
Toronto ON, M5S 1G4
Southwest corner of Harbord & Spadina.
2 blocks south of the Spadina subway station

Phone: 416-922-8744
Toll free (within Canada only): 1-800-861-8233
Fax: 416-922-1417

Hours:
Monday-Wednesday: 10:30am-6:00pm
Thursday & Friday: 10:30am-8:00pm
Saturday: 10:30am-6:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm

Tell them Mick sent ya!