The Oscar Wilde Bookshop
History
The Oscar Wilde Bookshop opened its doors for the first time Thanksgiving weekend of 1967 by gay activist, Craig Rodwell on Mercer St. in New York City. At a time when “gay bookstore” meant “porn store”, Rodwell understood the importance of a store that carried real literature for the lesbian and gay community and refused to carry pornography. He worked initially 70-hour weeks and ran the store entirely by himself that first year and half. In 1973 the store moved to 15 Christopher Street, a block away from the historic Stonewall Bar. Before the days of a village community center, the Oscar Wilde was filled with literature for activists’ meetings, and housed the meetings themselves.
Over the years the OWB grew into a first-rate bookshop thanks to the loyal, smart and dedicated staff and its loyal customers. In the early days the only available gay literature fit on a few shelves, whereas in the latter years the store could not fit all titles available. Rodwell passed away in 1993 and in 1996 the store went through a major renovation expanding to the back room to hold the growing number of LGBT literature published.
Since 1993 the OWB passed into the care of Bill Offenbaker, Larry Lingle and Deacon Maccubbin; all dedicated to supporting LGBT literature. In early 2006, the shop was handed over for the last time to long-time manager, Kim Brinster. With tough economic times the store closed its doors for the last time in 2009.
