Hot on the heels of its change in ownership, the Toronto Women’s Bookstore is celebrating its 40th anniversary in independent bookselling and feminist activism with an upcoming anthology edited by Tara-Michelle Ziniuk and published by Three O’clock Press under the Women’s Press imprint.

Ziniuk has sent out a call for contributions explaining the impetus for the book:

In light of the recent stresses at TWB, its upcoming anniversary and the current state of feminist book publishers and sellers, this is a pivotal time to talk about the importance of a place that’s very dear to many people, for many reasons. I am looking for love letters, historical documentation, writings about TWB from authors, artists, academics, readers and activists who have been influenced by the store. I am looking to speak with former staff, Board members, class instructors, students, customers and appreciators of all kinds. I am looking to get in touch with people who were involved in the bookstore’s earlier years ¦ TWB has a rich history and I want to make sure to include as much of it as is accessible. I am looking for non-fiction, personal narratives, articles and interviews on a variety of topics.

The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2011, and Ziniuk asks that queries be sent in advance to [email protected].