NE BOOK FAIR
Donation protected
A Note from the New England Mobile Book Fair owner Tom Lyons
When I bought the Book Fair at the end of 2011, our goal was to make the Book Fair a venue for authors and poets to gather and be a place for lovers of books and poetry to come meet and greet these wordsmiths. We supported local and new authors as well as nationally and internationally known authors. Our poetry readings organized by Boston's first poet laureate, Sam Cornish never failed to bring in poetry lovers. Establishing the Robert B. Parker award brought in mystery writers from all over New England
As it turned out, more and more people turned to Amazon for its below cost pricing and convenience ( no longer the case now that they own the market. Prices are near retail and in many cases more expensive than your local book store).
Our revenues continued to drop, making it difficult to afford the high overhead and large staff at our former location. We had no choice but to downsize; space, books, and staff in order to keep the Book Fair alive.
Now in 2020 we have reached a crossroads. Our current location is being razed and we need to be out by August 31. Major retailers moved out last summer leaving us with little walk in traffic and to little revenue to cover overhead.
The Book Fair has been closed since mid-March due to the pandemic and we couldn't even process on-line orders with only a few staff who had to stay safely at home. Without being able to generate income we have no revenue, but the bills keep coming in.
We have applied for every means of support, including SBA federal loans and local grants. We have received some very small amounts that haven't even met our short-term needs. It humbles us to ask for your support. We understand how difficult these times are for everyone and we know that many organizations are in need. If you are in a position to support us, we will be so grateful to receive the help. The Book Fair needs to move to a location that has viable foot traffic and any donation to thecampaign will contribute to the cash needed to move, restock, take care of our staff and take us into the future. Please help if you can and tell others about this worthy effort.
Book stores are a source of knowledge, inspiration and invention as well as gathering places for the pursuit of ideas and imagination, especially for children. The pandemic has created a serious threat to our survival. Hopefully, with your help and support we will be able to relocated and safely reopen. I thank you for your past support and with luck we can be back to having safe gatherings in the book store. Please stay safe.
When I bought the Book Fair at the end of 2011, our goal was to make the Book Fair a venue for authors and poets to gather and be a place for lovers of books and poetry to come meet and greet these wordsmiths. We supported local and new authors as well as nationally and internationally known authors. Our poetry readings organized by Boston's first poet laureate, Sam Cornish never failed to bring in poetry lovers. Establishing the Robert B. Parker award brought in mystery writers from all over New England
As it turned out, more and more people turned to Amazon for its below cost pricing and convenience ( no longer the case now that they own the market. Prices are near retail and in many cases more expensive than your local book store).
Our revenues continued to drop, making it difficult to afford the high overhead and large staff at our former location. We had no choice but to downsize; space, books, and staff in order to keep the Book Fair alive.
Now in 2020 we have reached a crossroads. Our current location is being razed and we need to be out by August 31. Major retailers moved out last summer leaving us with little walk in traffic and to little revenue to cover overhead.
The Book Fair has been closed since mid-March due to the pandemic and we couldn't even process on-line orders with only a few staff who had to stay safely at home. Without being able to generate income we have no revenue, but the bills keep coming in.
We have applied for every means of support, including SBA federal loans and local grants. We have received some very small amounts that haven't even met our short-term needs. It humbles us to ask for your support. We understand how difficult these times are for everyone and we know that many organizations are in need. If you are in a position to support us, we will be so grateful to receive the help. The Book Fair needs to move to a location that has viable foot traffic and any donation to thecampaign will contribute to the cash needed to move, restock, take care of our staff and take us into the future. Please help if you can and tell others about this worthy effort.
Book stores are a source of knowledge, inspiration and invention as well as gathering places for the pursuit of ideas and imagination, especially for children. The pandemic has created a serious threat to our survival. Hopefully, with your help and support we will be able to relocated and safely reopen. I thank you for your past support and with luck we can be back to having safe gatherings in the book store. Please stay safe.
Organizer
Thomas Lyons
Organizer
Newton, MA