THE Feminist Bookshop, which has been going for 37 years, has changed hands, but as sisters Libby Silva and Gail Hewison bow out after 29 years in charge, the future of the Lilyfield shop is secure. And so is its name.

''We had a very expansive view of what feminism is,'' Ms Hewison said. ''It included children's books, books on relationships, books on men … ''

Handover ... Gail Hewison and Libby Silva, left, with new owners Jo Angri and Cat Giuliano. Credit:Wolter Peeters

For the sisters, feminism was not just about the serious stuff but was also about fun and fine fiction too.

The new owners, Jo Angri and Caterina Giuliano, are committed to keeping the name even though books on feminist theory and women's studies have long since comprised a tiny fraction of the stock. Most of the books on the shelves are about broader social issues - parenting, domestic violence, anger management, incest, child abuse, grief and loss, addiction and mental health.