Get your nerd and learn on at this cozy tucked away read haven
Getting news earlier this year that an independent bookstore was going to open literally right down the street from us, I immediately got very excited. Mainly by the iron balls it takes to do such an act here in 2025.
And by iron balls I mean that it’s a women/worker owned and operated business.
Homeward Books, also known as the Homeward Books Collective, is a revolution of a book shop nestled in the Many Hands Courtyard on 1st Ave near Ft. Lowell. When I moved to Tucson in 2006, Many Hands was kind of a thriving art house space. Little bungalows tightly packed next to one another once filled with small galleries, studios and usually had some kind of artsy festival now and then. Through the years that all pretty much went away for some reason. There are still a few operations hanging out there, like I think there’s a salon or something, but now it can boast Homeward Books.
In April of this year (this year currently being 2025), the Homeward collective held a grand opening which I was totally going to attend. Being just a mere few blocks from our cabin, I scooted down there to show my support. Unfortunately there were quite a lot of people in attendance, none of which I probably knew, and I didn’t want to be that weird old guy hanging around and chatting things up with “the youth”. You know like those parties you had in your 20s where there’d always be some random middle-aged dude leaning on the kitchen sink with a red solo cup in his hand, scoping things out and just like…being there. So I promised I’d go back when the smoke cleared.
When I did I was so happy to step foot in their space.
It’s pretty tight, but, man, is it crammed with all sorts of amazing stuff. It’s like that Criterion Closet only filled with books; some geeky, some educational, others tell stories of black and queer culture, women studies, needful literature, the gamut of all words you need to scan and sink in.
Toward the back there is an area lined with games; role playing, board, trivia, all of it. Then come the comic books. Bins packed with plastic wrapped gems, of every genre, big name publications, small press, the works. Yes, in this well managed shotgun bungalow they even have a lovely kids book section. Because of course they do.
Best part is, Homeward Books has a back patio. When the post Tucson summer weather begins to cooly sink in, this plot is where you will need to explore. Grab a book, bring a snack, hang out a spell, its chaos out there, get away from it for a while.
Owners Megan Downey and Lillie Watson, longtime friends and book nerds, knew they needed to create a safe space for all types of the creative to be a part of and to continue the inclusivity our fair desert hamlet prides itself on.
In just the few short months since it opened, Homeward has been host to many a game night (yes, D&D and if you know me D&D has been my jam since 1981), author meet and greets, table readings, craft circles, kids art programs and so much more. During Pride Month the collective is very active and makes itself very known to be a safe space for those who need it.
This is their message and mission statement on their website:
Our goal is to resist traditional capitalist structures in favor of organizing our workplace in alternative, cooperative, and sustainable ways. In doing so we aim to encourage and empower others to create similar revolutionary workplaces. Secondly, we want to help foster a love of life through honest sales, safe spaces, and access to books, games, and art. We believe that cultivating revolutionary ideas and supporting the interests and hobbies of our community will help tend the fire in all of us to imagine and fight for better futures.
Hear, hear! Couldn’t have said it better myself and now they have my undying support.
Speaking of support. If you follow Homeward Books on social media, mainly Instagram, which you totally should, they post events, updates and general happenings from other like minded local businesses to, you know, support them. Support!
In a time of absolute turmoil it’s always great to see good people doing even better things. Especially if it comes in the form of a tucked away book hutch. Revolutions have started with far quieter means and I have a feeling the kids behind Homeward Books have a dandy start on being a very loud call in our community.
But not too loud. Shh! Trying to read here.
Homeward Books Collective
3054 N. 1st Ave, Unit B, Tucson AZ
Yeah Write Mark 