This vintage scarce bookmark advertises a bookstore for women in Sherman Oaks, California that closed in the early 90's. The books it specialized in were anthropology, psychology, third world and minority women, feminist theory and spirituality, poetry, fiction, lesbian fiction and non fiction, growth, development, aging, creative arts, photography, cooking, health, addiction/recovery, family life, parenting, child care and non-sexist and non-racist children's books.

Sandy Banks wrote the following in an article for the L.A. Times in 2007 about the store:

 "I found a family at Bread and Roses, a women's bookstore in Sherman Oaks. The store became my favorite hangout, with cozy sofas, an endless supply of cookies and coffee, and shelves stocked with everything from pregnancy primers to dress-for-success manuals to politics-of-lesbianism manifestoes. But it was less the books than the people that drew me in. When I couldn’t get my baby to sleep through the night or wondered how to ask my boss for a raise, I relied not only on advice I read, but lessons I learned from the women I met there. For hours, we’d thumb through books and talk, sharing stories too intimate for the strangers we’d been. Some I’d never see again. Several became my closest friends.

Bread and Roses closed and I moved on, taking my business to a discount chain a few miles from home. I’m sure I saved money over the years. But I never made a friend at Crown. The concept -- a bookstore for women -- seems almost quaint today. Maybe the era of the niche bookstore is over, done in by assimilation, technology and upward mobility. The type of 'community' I found at Bread and Roses, can be found online, not in chain bookstore aisles. All we need from Borders is a wi-fi connection and a table where we can sit. Alone."

This scarce flimsy bookmark measures approximately 7 by 2 inches. It has age toning and creasing near the top edge. It comes from a smoke and fragrance-free home. It will be well packaged to ensure it arrives safely.

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