Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Feminist Bookstore in Provincetown Since 1976
Womencrafts has been a cornerstone of feminist culture and community since its founding in 1976. As a lesbian-owned and operated institution in Provincetown, Massachusetts, we have dedicated over four decades to amplifying the voices of female artisans, authors, and musicians. Our mission remains rooted in creating a safe, inclusive space where individuals can explore literature, art, and activism that celebrate women's contributions to culture and society. We curate a diverse collection of over 1,000 books, featuring works by women authors across genres, alongside handmade gifts and artwork from more than 100 female creators. Our store has evolved into a vital hub for LGBTQ+ community engagement, offering a welcoming environment for personal milestones, intimate conversations, and cultural exchange.Through generations of social change, we have maintained our commitment to feminist principles while adapting to contemporary needs, balancing tradition with innovation. Our team approaches every customer interaction with the understanding that we are stewards of a historic institution, responsible for preserving its legacy while ensuring its relevance for future generations. The shop continues to serve as both a commercial enterprise and a cultural landmark, where the physical act of browsing shelves filled exclusively with women's voices creates an irreplaceable experience in an increasingly digital world.
Services
Feminist Books
LGBTQ+ Literature
Handmade Gifts
Community Events
Online Store
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- Lesbian-owned feminist institution operating continuously since 1976
- Curated selection of books exclusively by women authors
- Showcases work from over 100 female artisans and musicians
- Recognized as one of only thirteen remaining feminist bookstores in the US
- Serves as both retail space and LGBTQ+ community gathering place
What people say
Safe community space
Curated women's literature
Historic significance
Inclusive environment
Unique artisan gifts
Services
Feminist Books
Our curated book collection features works exclusively by women authors across genres including fiction, poetry, and LGBTQ+ literature. We maintain over 1,000 titles that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences. The inventory includes both contemporary releases and classic feminist texts that have shaped cultural discourse.
Handmade Gifts
We showcase products from more than 100 female artisans, including jewelry, pottery, and home decor items. Each piece represents the creative vision of women makers across the country. Our gift selection emphasizes unique, meaningful items that align with our feminist values and support women entrepreneurs.
Community Events
The space hosts regular gatherings including book clubs, author readings, and social justice discussions. These events foster connection among visitors while advancing our mission to promote women's voices. Programming often addresses contemporary feminist issues and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.
Online Store
Our digital platform extends our physical store's offerings to customers nationwide. The online shop features select merchandise including specialty apparel, art prints, and curated gift sets. We maintain the same feminist principles in our virtual space as in our Provincetown location.
Historic Preservation
As one of the country's last remaining feminist bookstores, we preserve decades of LGBTQ+ and women's history. Our archive includes materials documenting the shop's role in community milestones and social progress. This preservation effort ensures future generations can access this important cultural resource.
People
Michelle Axelson
Owner
Michelle Axelson became owner of Womencrafts in 2016, continuing its legacy as a feminist institution. She views her stewardship as part of an ongoing tradition of women supporting women's voices through literature and art. Her leadership maintains the shop's relevance while honoring its historic role in the LGBTQ+ community.
Questions
What makes Womencrafts unique as a bookstore?
We specialize exclusively in works by women authors and maintain one of the country's last feminist bookstore spaces, combining retail with community activism since 1976.
Does Womencrafts carry LGBTQ+ literature?
Yes, we feature extensive LGBTQ+ literature selections that have made us a landmark destination for queer women since our founding.
Are there events at Womencrafts?
We host regular book clubs, author readings, and social justice discussions that foster community connection and cultural exchange.
Can I purchase Womencrafts merchandise online?
Our online store offers select products including specialty apparel, art prints, and curated gift sets for customers nationwide.
What should I expect when visiting the Provincetown store?
Visitors find a welcoming space filled with books by women authors, handmade gifts from female artisans, and opportunities to engage with our community programming.
How does Womencrafts support female artists?
We showcase work from over 100 female artisans and maintain our commitment to promoting women creators through our product selection and partnerships.
Reviews (7)
Hunter Cole
Jul 29, 2019
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Great sections, unique books, local art sold there and you can sit on the floors and read but like bo bean bags or anything small place but i love that they offer it very cool
Melissa Falen
Jun 08, 2019
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Not many feminist bookstores left. This place is wonderful and so is the owner. A good selection of women produced books, music, jewelry, art and more. The space gives off a good vibe. Go visit and leave feeling better than when you went in!!
AnimalGeek
Sep 29, 2018
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Love this store. Has great independent artists things, books, and a few knickknacks to buy. It's a must visit for me when I'm in town.
Billy Clem
Dec 16, 2017
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Womencrafts is one of the greatest places to find wonderful, women-made arts. The owner and all the staff are very friendly, and I always visit when I'm in town. Great place.
Acie Alannah
Oct 09, 2017
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Super friendly, I visit every time Im in town. offered great conversation about one of my purchases and also recommended another local businesss holiday festival (canteens outdoor market). I remember this store from my first visit as a kid and would never not go here, and Im thankful its been around my whole life!
Kathleen Stewart
Jun 07, 2017
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Have enjoyed the Womancraft store in Provincetown for about 35 years. Now owned by Michelle (with her sweet Mom as one of her her assistants), it is a wonderful tradition that I look forward to every year during my P-Town fix! I had a special Goddess necklace that my daughter Lisa purchased for me over 30 years ago that I rarely took off. It broke this Spring and I was heartbroken. I called Womancraft (many times as poor Michelle will attest to almost to the point of harassment I think). I cannot tell you how kind and supportive she was, and ordered a number of necklaces so when I came to town
Adam Singer
Dec 11, 2016
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Womencrafts is one of the last remaining feminist bookstores in the country. It is an emporium for female artists, authors and artisans and is lovingly curated. It is one of the oldest businesses in Provincetown and a must see for any true feminist.
