Help Bookspace move into Flux & Flow!

It's happening, people! Bookspace will very soon have an actual space—with REGULAR HOURS. Russell and Fili at Flux + Flow Dance & Movement Center are welcoming Bookspace into their building at 200 Crestview Rd, Columbus, OH. Flux + Flow is a queer-owned, inclusive, body-positive, gender-affirming space. I feel so fortunate to co-locate and partner with this radical and beloved Clintonville institution.

Look out for an October opening of Bookspace at Flux + Flow!

I super appreciate everyone who has supported Bookspace through this wild seven-year evolution. I started Bookspace to bring a curated selection of books by authors not traditionally represented in bookstores and to highlight topics that deserve attention. My goal is to get books out into the world—books that challenge, disrupt, awaken, and transform. I believe that being your independent bookseller makes a difference in the ideas and actions that are possible. I love putting powerful books in the hands and minds of folks in Columbus (and beyond).

I'm grateful each day that this is what I get to do, and also, selling books is a ton of work. It's not lucrative; the margins are tiny. The bureaucracy of running a business can feel like a Kafka-esque nightmare. As Bookspace expands, I need new systems and resources to make things run smoothly and more efficiently.

Donations will go toward:

-Much-needed, updated tech (a dedicated computer and iPad for Bookspace; a POS system for faster, smoother transactions; a more integrated system for inventory management)

-Financial resources and education for transitioning to a worker-owned cooperative (Imagine a future where these communiqués aren’t always in the first person!)

-New, expanded inventory! (Expect twice as many books as I've had at ILLIO, plus Bookspace shirts, more calendars and stickers, etc.)

-More bookshelves and displays

-Printing posters, bookmarks, and fliers with the new address

Please consider making a donation and sharing the fundraiser with folks who may want to donate. I know that your dollars are hard-earned and that many are experiencing tough times under policies and structures that are not interested in our thriving. I do not make this request lightly. I appreciate anything that you can contribute to support Bookspace. This transition will lay the foundation that will make Bookspace a sustainable business for the long term.

Thank you so so so much for your support! I am very excited for this new stage. I know it's going to be amazing.

Sincerely,

Charlie

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UPDATE 12.1.22: The shop has been open for a couple months now, and it's looking great! Thank you so much to all the folks who have contributed!

Donations so far have mostly gone to fitting out the new space—expanding the inventory of new books to fill the new shelves. New books are expensive, and the profit margins for booksellers are way smaller than for most other businesses.

I am collaborating with a worker-owned cooperative called Key Figures which helps small businesses with their financials. I am happy to be working with a company with integrity to get some much-needed administrative help—but it's not cheap!

I'm happy that I have a physical space for people to come to for their holiday shopping, and I am so looking forward to seeing more people's faces come through! This location is fantastic and I love being part of the community of Clintonville, but it's not on a major road with lots of foot traffic. It's in-between the main drags of High St and Indianola Ave, so it's a little harder to find. Bookstores depend on holiday sales in order to survive the rest of the year. As much as 30% of bookstores' revenue comes from this short time of year. I encourage you to think of your community while doing your holiday shopping, to make sure that the unique shops we have in town can continue to be here year after year!

If you can contribute and/or check out the new shop, that would be incredibly helpful!

Thanks,

Charlie