UPDATE:
February 8th - all PayPal donations have been refunded. I will be sending out money orders refunds this week for all credit card donations. Thank you all again!
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All,
I have been trying my hardest to purchase the book store. It doesn't look good. Please susspend all donations. I will need to return all funds if the purchase doesn't happen. I really appreciate all of your love and support. I am deeply disapointed and pray that a miricle will come by. Until then, I wish Main Street Books all the best and hope they have another buyer in the wings that can purchase the store. It's a lovely store and it would be a loss for everyone for it to close.
Thank you - Brandi (super sad - but hopeful)
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Hi there! I am Brandi Schmidt, local St. Charles (Missouri) author, wife, mother, and book lover. I am here to ask you...nay...beg you to help me save Main Street Books.
There’s almost 20 years of history of in this perfect little bookstore:
Main Street Books opened in May 1993-- during the Great Flood of 1993. Fortunately, the flood waters did not reach our store on the west side of Main Street. The store was originally located in Collier Cottage, a building dating back to the late 1860s.
In 2006, it moved to the present location near the Visitor’s Center. This building was originally built in 1821 by William G. Pettus, Missouri's first Secretary of State. Missouri's first state constitution is in his handwriting.
The building burned down to a shell in early 1955 and was later rebuilt. Today, Main Street Books occupies two floors in the Main Street Historic District near Missouri's First State Capitol (approx. 1800 sq.feet).
Main Street Books has been an independent book provider for nearly 20 years. In addition, patrons can purchase a multitude of gift items.
Two book clubs currently congregate once a month at Main Street Books.
The current owners are retiring. They purchased the business seven years ago, and they are ready to spend their years traveling and some well-deserved time with grandchildren.
Now you know the past. Let me tell you how we can give Main Street Books a future with your help.
I have always wanted to own a book store.
Years ago, I looked into starting one in St. Charles (I even made t-shirts!).
The timing wasn't right, and my dream sat on the back burner. Until, I heard
that Main Street Books was for sale, and if they didn't sell by January 31st,
they would close!
WHAT?!
CLOSE!
Yes, I know, I was shocked, too.
Main Street Books has been an icon for almost 20 years. It would be a shame to
see it just dissolve like so many independent stores. I want to save this
store, and I need your help. I need you to take action!
Where will your donations go?
FIRST, I would like to upgrade the bookstore to include a coffee shop. This would include acquiring licensing, equipment, materials, and well...some super cool coffee mugs of course! (Local vendors will be used.)
SECOND, I would like to hold more
author signings and events. This would be my life and those that know me, know I can throw a mean party! In addition, special events for kids of all ages. “American Girl
Day”, “Mortal Instruments Day”, “Twilight Day”, and many more. I will also be
instituting “Study-a-thons” for local High School and College students around finals.
The store will be available for private parties too. We will continue to hold
book clubs and expand our inventory.
One of the major events I want to
start are “Skype” events with famous authors/agents/actors/and publishers. Many
of these people can’t make a personal appearance, but a Skype system with large
screen TV and microphones – you will be able to speak with them and ask your
burning questions. HOW COOL IS THAT!!
THIRD, I needs funds to keep the store going. I will be financing the purchase of the
store, but with changes comes the need for money. Please dig deep into those
pockets and help save this book store. Ever $10 is a step closer.
Your donations will not only save Main Street Books, but keep alive an icon in historic St. Charles. We need this bookstore. We need to preserve or past and user in a new year, 2014 we will save this Bookstore!
Personal side note: To write AND own a bookstore...oh, my gosh...that's like heaven on earth!
I am asking you now to help me save this bookstore, to take action. Not just for me, but for the town of St. Charles and all independent owners across America. If everyone donated $10 – we need 1,500 people…If everyone donated $25, we need 600 donations….. If everyone donated $100 we would only need 150 donations!
Please share this Indiegogo event with everyone you know. Let's spread the word all over the globe to help save this little book store. Use the Indiegogo tools to share the
word!
Let's do this...together!
NOTE: (I am TRYING to buy the store, nothing is official yet. If anything would happen, I will return the funding if the sale falls through.)
Thank you so much for reading and sharing this event with your friends and family.
