All She Wrote Books turns the page at new location after being displaced due to rising rent
The queer- and woman-owned bookstore in Somerville, MA raised more than $60K from 1,600 individual donors to save its business
The only queer, inclusive bookstore in the Boston area has a new home, thanks to the generosity of its patrons and community.
The Tea: In September, All She Wrote Books owner Christina Pascucci-Ciampa announced that the intersectional, inclusive feminist and queer bookstore was being displaced due to untenable rent increases and other expenses.
- In a post on Instagram, Pascucci-Ciampa said that the store's rent had increased by 130% in the past three years
- She also cited additional expenses of $8,000 for HVAC issues, flooding, repair, and more.
All She Wrote Books announced on Instagram that they were being displaced
The Plea: Pascucci-Ciampa shared that she had found a new, more sustainable location for All She Wrote Books, but would need to raise $60,000 to cover a range of expenses and to pay the store's staff during the transition period. The response to the bookstore's crowdfunding campaign was swift:
- In less than two months, All She Wrote raised exceeded their fundraising goal by generating $60,911 to date from 1,600 individual donors.
@allshewrotebooks 📣Campaign Update📣 Please continue to support our campaign since we are SO close to our goal! When communities come together, great things happen. Our campaign is a shining example of that, and together, we can keep the lights on for All She Wrote Books. Link in bio! #queerbookstore #feministbookstore #crowdfunding #crowdfundingcampaign #fundrasier #donate #allshewrotebooks #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness
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The Bigger Picture: The economics of the book business is notoriously difficult, and independent bookstores have particularly low profit margins.
- Rent increases have been a source of anxiety for small business across the U.S. in the last few years.
- Yet, amidst rise in book bans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, queer-owned and friendly bookstores remain pivotal safe spaces for LGBTQ people and allies.
What's next: All She Wrote will be hosting their grand re-opening at their new location on Friday, November 10th at 75 Washington Street in Somerville, MA.
For more information on All She Wrote Books follow them on Instagram.
