We couldn't be here without YOU! Thank you so much for helping us reach our goal and stay open in Maplewood!!
As a valued Book House customer and
friend, we know you have supported us through quite a bit of
transition over the past two years. You helped when we were forced to
move to a new location and renovate the space so we could reopen.
The new bookstore space is now fully open, and business has been better than ever, as we
continue to grow and (on the surface) looks pretty successful. We could not have gotten this far without your support!
WE DID IT! We met our immediate goal. , Last month we were up against a hard
deadline, and a cash flow crunch which could have jeopardized everything we worked so hard to create. The initial crisis of being forced to move so suddenly incurred enormous up front costs to move and build out to meet building and fire code requirements. We were never able to obtain the needed low interest SBA financing or development grant we really needed. So we invested all our personal savings and cash reserves, borrowed as much as
possible on credit cards and high interest loans, deferred payments as we got the store on its feet. Business has been great. We had the best holiday season in the history of the bookstore. We are working long hours just to keep up! We are currently meeting our basic operating costs and slowly paying off debt.
Through our initial fundraising efforts we were able to find enough resources to stay open and deal with some of the tax issues to renew our merchants license. We have formed a small advisory board and have received support from hundreds of people BUT WE STILL NEED TO RAISE SOME MONEY AND WE ARE STILL TAKING DONATIONS! We have thousands of dollars of construction costs we still need to pay off and we are also trying to raise $1800 to purchase and install a rolling library ladder, we also have quite a bit of electrical wiring and renovation which is unfinished in our lower level event space.
We hope you see value in what we've
created here and would like to help us continue. Our local bookstore has striven to be a
positive force for the community, and we are doing everything we can
think of to continue with our work to be the Best Bookstore we can
be, supporting local authors, writers, artists, musicians, and educators and booklovers of all ages.
You can find out more about our history and our events through our store website www.bookhousestl.com You can also join us on Facebook and Twitter. We host events every week (including Friday night music and Wed Improv!) as well as author book launches, booksignings, and storytime. We have one of the biggest selections of AMAZING new, used, rare, and unusual books in the Midwest. We are a bit eclectic, but also a place where you can feel at home in a chaotic world. We have been in business for almost 30 years (one and a half years in current location) and have a diverse, knowledgeable and friendly team of people who work hard to make this a place you can come and enjoy.
In the past we have gotten a little crazy with our fundraising (remember George R. R. Martin and the author retreat - didn't work :-( ) We really don't have time for that now, and have decided to just ask for some straightforward help. No-frills, no gimmicks - just donate whatever amount you wish. And PLEASE share with your friends on social media
. If everyone on our email list kicks in $10 or $20 bucks, its a done deal.
You may also come visit the shop, buy an extra book or two (you really won't be able to resist anyway!), and tip an extra few bucks in the donation jar. We also have lots of bargains and sale items including limited edition bookstore day prints and Book Bonds, So if you want something for your dollar, come in and see what we have for sale right now! (You can also order through our website) We just need a little boost to get over this one immediate crisis, and we can continue to stay open and serve you in our community. We know we can do it. We don't plan on going anywhere!
Our sincerest appreciation and thanks - Michelle, Dave, Brian, Lindsey, Ben, and Maggie.