our story

about us

eleanor’s is a radical bookstore, bottle shop, and creative community space dedicated to social and political education, engagement, and building.

we made the decision to become a worker-owned collective to foster and model the world we want to live in - one where we operate democratically, ethically, and sustainably with the following values:

embracing curiosity

the most radical thing we offer is information. through our curation of  books, bottles, and programming, we provide perspectives that differ from mainstream contexts and encourage respectful, non-judgmental participation to foster agency within our local community. we believe good things come from sharing knowledge - everyone has talent & skills to share. 

building accessibility

we're continuing to work on accessibility for all of our neighbors and recognize that this work is ever-evolving. being accessible means engaging in our work in a way that doesn't exclude people. this includes working to create a sense of safety and comfort in the space, provide honest information and resources, and meeting everyone where they are. 

engaging with generativity & authenticity

we learn by being open to conversation and leading with curiosity. we are here as guides and while we like to learn in earnest, we also like to play and let our creative brains wiggle. we promise to celebrate the quirks in all of us.

contributing co-operatively 

being part of a cooperative is being part of something larger than yourself. cooperative and solidarity are more than words to us - they are our foundations. we use cooperative and collaborative decision-making at every level. it takes longer and is more intentional, all of which leads to greater ability for each of us to show up in all our creativity, mess, and potential with a commitment to working and knowing each other. we know that what’s most powerful is the collective, not the individual. 

creating collective sustainability

we believe that the way we operate a business can be done in a radically different way that prioritizes people over profit; that creates and sustains a place for folks to find joy & community - in the same way some of our favorite speculative fiction authors and radical abolition dreamers bring their worlds to the page, we create a space for those worlds to be put into action. what's cooler than that?

guiding principles

  • Transnational Liberation:

    We recognize that true liberation is collective; none of us is free until all of us are free. In our pursuit of justice, we stand against any form of oppression, including but not limited to racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia. Our solidarity is unwavering, as is our commitment to dismantle intersecting systems of injustice.

    We actively recognize the interconnected nature of systems of oppression. Our commitment to feminism is intersectional, addressing the complex ways in which different forms of discrimination intersect and impact individuals. We strive to amplify traditionally silenced voices and challenge the status quo.

    We stand firmly for all the queer & trans joy and firmly against homophobia, transphobia, and any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Our bookstore is a space where queer narratives are celebrated and created.

  • Mutual Aid as a Foundation

    We believe in the strength of interdependence. Our commitment to mutual aid is not just an act of kindness; it's a recognition that our collective well-being is intrinsically linked. By fostering an environment of mutual support, we actively work against oppressive structures that thrive on isolation and division.

    Solidarity is the lifeblood of our collective. We stand united against discrimination and prejudice, fostering an environment of radical support and empowerment. In our shared commitment to feminism and queerness, we create spaces where everyone is seen, heard, and celebrated.

  • Inclusive Cooperation and Direct Democracy

    We celebrate the diversity of our community. Through inclusive cooperation, we create spaces where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual is respected. Our cooperative efforts are a testament to the richness that emerges when people from different backgrounds unite.

    Worker Empowerment: As a worker-owned collective, we embody the principles of anarchism, socialism, and communism. We reject hierarchical power structures, prioritizing the empowerment of every worker within our cooperative, where decisions are made collectively, and the fruits of our labor are shared equitably.

  • Education and Empowerment

    We commit to continuous learning and the free sharing of knowledge. Through education, we empower ourselves and others to recognize and challenge oppressive structures. We strive to create spaces that encourage dialogue, understanding, and growth as we collectively navigate the path towards justice.

    Our shelves are a testament to the diverse range of voices that make up the tapestry of our world and bear witness to revolutionary literature that challenges the status quo. We actively seek out literature that challenges the status quo, dismantles stereotypes, and uplifts narratives that have historically been silenced.

    Our bookstore is a platform for marginalized stories to be heard. We curate narratives that illuminate the struggles against oppression, empowering individuals with the knowledge to deconstruct and reshape the world around them.

  • Eco-Feminist Ethics

    Rooted in eco-feminism, we acknowledge the symbiotic relationship between gender and environmental justice. Our collective seeks harmony with nature, resisting practices that exploit the Earth and recognizing the inherent value of all living beings and the planet they inhabit.

    In a world obsessed with profit, we champion the inherent value of every human being as well as the planet we live on. Our working structure rejects exploitative systems which includes the exploitation of the earth & all the creatures held within. Our products will be sourced with both human & non-human resources front of mind.

  • Radical Accountability

    We hold ourselves accountable. In moments of reflection and action, we recognize the importance of accountability. When mistakes are made, we are committed to acknowledging them, learning from them, and actively working to rectify and prevent their recurrence.

    Eleanor's Feminist Collective Bookstore & Bottle shop  is not just a shop; it is a haven for those seeking refuge from discrimination. We strive to create a safe space where queer and feminist voices can be expressed without fear, and where the exploration of identity is met with understanding, compassion, and support.

  • Cooperation among Cooperatives

    we commit to assisting our fellow cooperatives to show that another way to do “business” is possible if we just create it.

our crew

erin dougherty (any pronouns)

has always existed near the ocean - from florida to new york to california to the coastal region in southeastern virginia. they are polyscripterous and, most often, you can tell the books they’re flirting with because they’ll contain a flurry of in-margin ponderings. they choose wines by vibe and will always say yes to a project, a crunchy red & a panda forest wander under the stars. they’ve been with eleanor’s since the beginning and wear lots of hats with a focus on organizing, outreach, and communication.

anitra howard (she/her)

is a pink pony girl from the DMV who lives at the crossroads of reading and board games. Anitra has been with the shop for two years and loves to read horror, speculative fiction, and general nonfiction. If she’s in shop you’re sure to hear some Chappell Roan and mellow 70’s vibes. Anitra has a tendency towards sweet drinks and loves to enjoy a Humble Bumble Cider. Her new fav, however, is the Bugey Cerdon that reminds her of her favorite queer icon, Miss Piggy.

Brittany Sherrod, a.k.a. Bliss Witch (she/her)

is a storyteller of sorts. Sometimes she does stand up comedy, but more importantly she creates spaces for artists to encourage each other and grow. A middle child from a big family, she was raised in Queens, NY, but also considers Hampton Roads home. She joined the Eleanors co-op in June 2024. She loves non-fictions, especially memoirs and won’t stop raving about the Coastal Sunshine series from Humble Forager Brewery.

rj (they/them)

mostly spends their time with poetry, cozy fantasy, mad liberation reads, and plants. they love cider- Artifact ciders are their go-to. for a night in, they highly recommend No New Friends- a tart cranberry cider and Against Technoableism or Mad World. 

Slow Response Disclaimer:

If you reach out, please know we’re excited to connect! However, as a small team aiming to navigate outside of the traditional constraints of capitalism, consumerism, and fast culture, we operate more slowly to respect the capacity and needs of our crew.

We love to hear from and care intensely for our peeps and hope you can care for us by allowing us time to thoughtfully respond.

xoxo, eleanor’s norfolk

 

find us at…

806 Baldwin Ave
Norfolk, VA
23517

Mon-Wed closed
Thurs - Fri 12-6
Sat 11-7
Sun 12-5