Help Blue Cypress Books after Hurricane Ida

Hurricane Idea has caused immense, catastrophic damage to Southeast Louisiana, and Blue Cypress Books needs help.

Blue Cypress Books is an independent bookstore on Oak Street in New Orleans. It’s been my favorite bookstore for years because of the great selection of new and used books, the bookstore kitty, and the excellent recommendations I’ve received from LeeAnna, the store manager, and Elizabeth, the owner.

In March of this year, my lifelong dream of being a bookstore lady came true. Blue Cypress hired me to work at the store a few days a week and manage the social media. I have been able to see up close how much of an impact these women have had in creating a cozy, welcoming space for book and book people.

Blue Cypress Books is truly an incredible place, and Elizabeth and LeeAnna are genuinely some of the best people I know.

Through the pandemic, New Orleans kept Blue Cypress open. It was a scary time, but our community showed up for us. They bought books, and we were able to stay open. Earlier this month, we even able to move the store across the street into a beautiful new space that allows us to expand our book selection and host more events. The last month has been a whirlwind of wonderful in the new store, and we have loved every minute.

Unfortunately, this month has been interrupted by Hurricane Ida, and our new building was damaged in the storm with a broken window and busted sign. Thankfully, no books were lost, and we’ve already started the clean up. But given the situation in New Orleans, we’re worried about when we will be able to reopen. Officials are advising that we may be out of power for several weeks, and to put it frankly, not being able to be a bookshop for a few weeks is uncertain and a little scary. We have to cover our insurance deductibles, clean up costs, and pay rent all while not generating any income.

We love New Orleans, and we want to be here on the other side of this. We will do everything we can to make that happen, and we appreciate any help you can provide us either by donating money or shopping through our website, where you can order books, gift cards, audiobooks, and e-books. Check out our instagram for more details.

Thanks and much love to y’all!

PS: we are very impressed by this wine glass surviving the storm. What inspiring strength and resilience. You go, wine glass.

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Blue Cypress Books is an independent, woman-owned bookstore on historic Oak Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Opened in 2008, Blue Cypress Books offers high quality secondhand books, a curated selection of new books, and a variety of interesting and rare finds. Learn more at Blue Cypress Book's Website

My name is Jodi Laidlaw, and I am a part-time bookseller at Blue Cypress Books and live in New Orleans. Elizabeth Ahlquist, the owner of Blue Cypress Books, will withdraw all funds raised directly to support staff, pay expenses, repair damages, and get the store reopened.