Short Summary
We own and operate a small bookstore in Colchester, CT. We primarily carry used books, but also offer shelf space to local authors with new books, and carry a variety of novelty items created by local artists.
Currently, we occupy 700 square feet, and we want to grow! We have about 8,000 books in our shop, and another 8,000 books in storage at our house (there's no storage space at our current location). We hope to move to a bigger location with more visibility to bring more books to more readers.
Owning a bookstore has been our lifelong dream. In 2012, I decided it was now or never, and made the plunge. It's unbelievably wonderful to be happy to go to work each day. Being able to talk about great books, share ideas with aspiring writers, and hook up new readers with incredible authors is a dream come true! If only we could expand, move to a better location, and meet even more readers! This is how you can help.
What We Need & What You Get
There's a location available to us that's in the center of town (we're currently in a fairly rural area) with three times the space. Also, there's storage at the new location, and insulation (something we don't currently have, which leads to astronomical heating bills in the winter). The new space will cost us $25,000 for the year. We'd love to move in tomorrow, but unfortunately, we can't afford it . . . yet!
That's why we're asking for donations. We want to move to a spot with more shelf space and more visibility to attract more readers and offer more previously-loved books.
If we don't meet our goal, all funds raised will go towards improving where we are. The landlord has stated that if we want the shop insulated, we'll have to pay for it. We'll also use the money to increase our advertising to let more people know we're here.
We're offering the following perks:
Donate $25 and receive a coupon for a free romance novel at the store!
Donate $50 and receive a coupon for 20% off all used books in the store!
Donate $75 and receive a coupon for a free romance novel, and a book light!
Donate $100 and receive a coupon for 20% off all used books in the store, and a book light!
Donate $1,000 or more and receive a copy of Bite Club by Hal Bodner, a book light, a hand-crafted wooden etched bookmark, and 20% off all used books in the store!
Donate $5,000 and receive a new (unopened) Nintendo Challenge Set and Super Mario Brothers 3 game cartridge!
Donate $10,000 and receive a genuine Revenge of the Jedi script! This was the title of the movie before George Lucas changed it to Return of the Jedi. This is a RARE COLLECTOR'S ITEM and only one is available, so act now!
All donors will be recognized on our contributor page of our website.
The Impact
You have a chance to help an independent bookstore provide more books, education, and a safe place to hang out in the community. Remember that used bookstore you used to visit as a kid, hanging out for hours, getting lost in the stacks? We want to be that place.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that in this economy, some people just can't contribute financially at this time. We're asking these folks to get the word out, via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, your own personal websites and blogs, or any other way you can think of! Don't forget about Indiegogo's share tools--they make it easier to get the word out to as many people as possible!
Thank you for your help and support. You're doing a good thing.
