Hello, I'm Caroline Stephenson. Mom, educator, DGA assistant director, book lover, and Northeastern NC native. This campaign is to help raise startup funds to open an independent bookstore in rural, economically challenged Northeastern NC. This campaign is important to me because knowledge is power. Currently, area residents have very little access to books. There's Walmart, several Dollar Stores, thrift stores, and religious book stores. Yes, books are available at these retailers, but they don't offer a wide variety of books nor personalized one-on-one service. Cultivator is more than just a bookstore. It's a gathering place for the community to forge unity and progress. Contributors to this campaign will help us achieve this from the ground up. Our $7500 goal breaks down to $6000 in rent for a year and $1500 toward other startup costs (connecting wifi, utility deposits, building bookshelves, paint, cleaning supplies). We wanted to set a realistic goal for starting an independent bookstore in a small, rural town that has never had one before. If we don't meet our entire goal, then we will still utilize the funds to cover the rent and expenses for as far as the money will go. Rural America in the 21st Century faces many challenges: population decline, lack of employment and educational opportunities, transportation and communication issues. Approximately 35% of children here live in poverty. Only 14% of our population have a Bachelor's degree or higher. By contributing to this project, you can help mitigate some of the damage done in the past 20 years caused by big box stores and jobs moving overseas. Cultivator adds to the local economy, instead of taking away. It will be a place where local artist will have their work on display and for sale. Community members will be able to place their books on consignment. Artists will hold art workshops and art talks. Authors will hold book signings and discussions. Book clubs will gather. There is a definite risk involved starting a new business in a rural, high-poverty area, but we feel the benefits outweigh the obstacles. The site for Cultivator has many things going for it. It's on Main Street in Murfreesboro next to the public library. Murfreesboro is a college town, home to Chowan University. Chowan University is home to nearly 1500 students. Will we meet challenges along the way? Most definitely. But our plan is to start small and local, featuring a variety of new and used books, textbooks, and art by local authors and artists, and grow from there. Thank you for your time and consideration. Every dollar counts! Please share! If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 252-395-2327. Or email at cultivatornc@gmail.com.
