Reaching the age of 30 was never a given at Women and Children First bookstore in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. That could make this weekend’s celebration of three decades in the business all the more sweet. The store opened in 1979 with an exclusive focus on women writers. As it’s expanded, the store has faced challenges – competition from discount chains and Web sites. Alison Cuddy spoke with co-owners Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon. The ladies of Women and Children First celebrate this Saturday night with a benefit featuring Dorothy Allison, Alison Bechdel and more than a dozen local writers. But first they’re hosting Chicagoan Audrey Niffenegger reading from her new book Her Fearful Symmetry at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville on Wednesday.

Events:
Audrey Niffenegger Reading
Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago

Women and Children First Celebrate 30 Years
Saturday, October 3 at 5:30 p.m.