Zora’s Place is open (woohoo!) — and now we’re focused on keeping it thriving!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, Zora’s Place was brought to life as a bookstore and gathering space centered on books by Black women authors, thoughtful programming, and the belief that reading, rest, and resistance belong together.

Ongoing support ensures that Zora’s Place doesn’t just exist — it continues to grow, serve, and respond to the needs of our community.

Why Your Ongoing Support Matters

Independent bookstores run on heart and resources. As a new bookstore, your contributions help us build a strong foundation while expanding what’s possible.

Your support helps us:

Keep the doors open and the shelves stocked with books by Black authors and authors of color
Cover monthly operating costs like rent, utilities, and supplies
Offer community-centered programming that is accessible, thoughtful, and affirming
Grow sustainably — without burning out or cutting corners

Every gift, whether one-time or recurring, helps Zora’s Place remain a welcoming, vibrant space for readers, writers, and neighbors.

What We’re Building Next

With sustained support, Zora’s Place will be able to:

✍🏾 Expand writing workshops & literary programming
Including writing circles, craft workshops, author talks, and intergenerational storytelling events.
🧑🏾‍💼 Hire part-time staff
So the store can offer consistent hours, thoughtful customer service, and more community programming — without relying on unpaid labor.
📚 Increase programming & partnerships
With schools, libraries, nonprofits, and local organizations to deepen our community impact.
🌱 Grow access-centered offerings
Including sliding-scale events, free community gatherings, and programs designed with care and intention.

This is about building something that lasts AND doing it in alignment with our values.

Become a Sustaining Supporter

Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to support Zora’s Place.

A recurring gift — even a small one — provides predictable support that helps us plan ahead, invest wisely, and grow with intention.

Think of it as helping keep the lights on, the books flowing, and the community gathering.

💛 $10–$25/month helps cover daily operations
💛 $50–$100/month supports programming and staffing
💛 $250+/month fuels long-term growth and expansion

You can adjust or cancel your monthly gift at any time.

More Than a Bookstore

Zora’s Place is a space to:

Discover stories that reflect our lives
Gather in community
Rest, reflect, and imagine what’s possible

Your support affirms that spaces like this matter — and deserve to exist for the long haul.

Other Ways to Support Zora’s Place

We believe support takes many forms. Here are a few meaningful ways to help Zora’s Place grow and thrive:

📲 Follow & Share

Following us on social media — and sharing our posts, events, and book recommendations — helps us reach new readers, writers, and community members. Visibility matters, especially for a new independent bookstore.

📚 Shop Our Bookstore Online

You can support Zora’s Place anytime by purchasing books through our curated online storefronts:

These purchases directly contribute to our sustainability and help us keep championing books by Black authors.

👜 Purchase Zora’s Place Merch

Our merch isn’t just cute — it gives back.

When you purchase Zora’s Place merchandise, 10% of every sale benefits Young, Black & Lit, an Evanston-based nonprofit committed to increasing access to children’s books that center, reflect, and affirm Black children by providing free books to youth in pre-K through 8th grade.

It’s a simple way to support two community-centered missions at once.

Thank You for Being Part of This Story

Whether you donate, share this page, attend an event, or simply tell a friend about Zora’s Place — thank you. We are deeply grateful to be building this alongside you.

Read. Rest. Resist. ✊🏾

Support Zora’s Place

Help Sustain a Community-Centered Bookstore Rooted in Stories, Sisterhood & Self-Care