Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Reading Community for Women

Our Communal Library

For women, reading can be incredibly empowering, providing a sense of validation and representation and offering a space for self-discovery and personal growth. It is a core part of our mission to provide resources and support for women who may face barriers to reading, such as limited access to books or literacy challenges.

We’ve curated an extensive collection of books we offer as a communal library with books by women authors on herbalism, women’s health, Earth-based, female-centered spirituality, and inspiring stories about trailblazing women throughout history, as well as contemporary fiction and nonfiction that feature relatable and inspiring female characters.

The books are here to be shared by everyone, which means you’re welcome to take a book to one of our tables and read it while you sip your tea or take it home with you.

Everything is on the honor system, so please take care of the books you borrow and bring them back whenever you’re done. Whether that’s a week, two weeks, or two months, that’s up to you. We only ask that you take care of them, do your best to return them when you’re done, and pay it forward whenever possible.

We welcome donations of gently used books for our library by women authors on herbalism, women’s health, Earth-based, female-centered spirituality, inspiring stories about trailblazing women throughout history, and contemporary fiction and nonfiction featuring relatable and inspiring female characters. YA books, as they relate to the aforementioned, are welcomed.

We host a monthly reading group where women can come together and discuss the books they are reading. This is an opportunity for women to connect with others who share their love of Mother Earth and their thoughts and ideas about the books they are reading.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

– Helen Keller

Support. No questions asked.

We also offer a selection of books intended to help you work through difficult and sensitive personal experiences.

You may keep them for as long as you need, and you can return them anonymously to our dropbox when you are finished.

If you need more information or further resources to deal with difficult issues, we encourage you to reach out to us, someone in your life whom you trust, or any of the organizations below for assistance.

We are here to help you and are committed to protecting your privacy.

You are not alone.

In Connecticut, a statewide network of domestic violence programs can be reached by calling the statewide domestic violence hotline, 1-888-774-2900 (English); 1-844-831-9200 (Spanish).

Help is here. You are not alone.
If you need help, please reach out.

Mental Health

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

In Crisis?
Call the National Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line
text TALK to 741741

The Trevor Helpline
1-886-488-7386 -Suicide Hotline for LGBTQIA youth

Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut
You will speak to a caseworker who can help make it easier for you to find information, discover options or deal with a crisis.

Prevent Suicide CT
1-800-273-8255

LGBTQIA+

Gay & Lesbian National Hotline
888-843-GLNH (4564)

National Gay & Lesbian Youth Hotline
800-347-TEEN (8336)

The Trevor Project
1-886-488-7386 -Suicide Hotline for LGBTQIA youth
The Trevor Project‘s 24/7/365 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or
TrevorChat, their online instant messaging option, or TrevorText, a text-based support option. If you are looking for peer support, you can visit TrevorSpace from anywhere in the world.

Translifeline
1-877-565-8860

Domestic Abuse

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233

Connecticut Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline/Safe Connect
Advocates are available 24/7. All languages are supported!
Call/Text: 888-774-2900
https://ctsafeconnect.com/

Connecticut Office of Victim Services
1-800-822-8428 (M-F 8:00 am-4:30 pm)
https://www.jud.ct.gov/crimevictim/

Connecticut Advocates and Shelters
Womenslaw.org

Regional Support Organizations:

  • Greater Hartford - Interval House: 860-527-0550

  • Greater Waterbury - Safe Haven: 203-575-0036

  • Greater New Haven - The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services: 203-780-8104

  • New London Country - Safe Futures: 860-701-6000

  • Middletown/Middlesex County - New Horizons Community Health Center: 860-347-3044

  • Dayville/Northeastern Connecticut - United Services: 860-774-8648

  • Enfield/Suffield/Somers/Stafford/Windsor Locks/East Windsor: 860-763-4542

  • Greater Torrington - Susan B. Anthony Project: 860-482-7133

  • Greater New Britain - Prudence Crandall Center: 860-225-6357

  • Greater Danbury - Women's Center of Danbury: 203-731-5206

  • Meriden/Wallingford - Chrysalis: 203-238-1501

  • Greater Bridgeport - The Center for Family Justice: 203-384-9559

  • Greater Norwalk - Domestic Violence Crisis Center: 203-852-1980

  • Stamford - Domestic Violence Crisis Center: 203-588-9096

  • Greenwich - Domestic Abuse Services/Greenwich YMCA: 203-622-0003

  • Ansonia/Derby/Oxford/Beacon Falls/Seymour/Shelton/Orange - The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services: 203-736-9944

  • Sharon Area - Women's Support Services: 860-364-1900

Sexual Assault

National Dating Abuse Helpline/Love Is Respect
1-866-331-9474  Text “loveis” to 22522
LoveisRespect.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline/RAINN 
1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)
www.rainn.org

Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Statewide 24-Hour Toll-Free Hotline: 1-888-999-5545 (ENGLISH)
1-888-568-8332 (ESPAÑOL)