Bookends in Florence, a Hub for Lesbian Literature

In a largely male dominated industry, Bookends in Florence, Massachusetts owned by Madden Aleia stands out. After earning her Bachelor's degree in American Studies at Smith College, going on to complete a Master's degree in English Literature at University of Massachusetts Amherst, and working at bookstores while studying, Aleia purchased Bookends in 2022. She has also staged antiques and attended many flea markets, sometimes tabling at queer events and vintage fairs as well. 

Her interests lie in social sciences broadly, especially mass market publications, dialectical materialism printed in the Soviet Union to be sold overseas, 20th century philosophy, literary criticism, Marxist and architectural theory. In store you can also find a wide variety of LGBTQ+ literature and history. 

Seeking to create an inventory catering to marginalized groups of people who are traditionally underrepresented in literature. She emphasizes this intention and mission as the underpinning of the shop's space. 

“I like the opportunity to build a physical community around specific interests,” Aleia said. 

The storefront is located on 80 Maple, Street Florence, Massachusetts with operating hours of 12pm to 7pm Thursday through Friday and 11am to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

Madden Aleia and Bookends in Florence will be at the Northampton Book Fair on the 22nd and 23rd of November in the Community Arts Trust at 33 Hawley Street. 

Written by Cassandra Mayer - September 25th, 2024