We're still unpacking here, but regular posting will resume tomorrow. Until then, we pass along this very good news that hit our inbox moments ago:
On the heels of their two-week-long “Save Our Bookstore” campaign, having culminated this past weekend in a flurry of in-store activity and events featuring authors, bands, poetry and a silent auction, Wordsmiths Books has announced it has met operating cost goals and is looking to the future. In a letter to customers and donors posted early this morning in the store blog, Wordsmiths Books owner Zachary Steele writes “We asked for your help. We asked for the chance to take this business and turn it forward, to get out from under the weight of immediate costs that were threatening to close our doors forever and begin the task of paying down debts that were accrued in our original location. And you responded…thanks to you all, we are still here. We have raised enough capital to cover necessary operating expenses and give us a clear sight into the Fall.” In regards to exactly where the bookstore stands now financially, Steele writes “There is still much for us yet to do. We have operating expenses caught up and have made some traction into tomorrow, but we will still be working on paying down our debts for the foreseeable future. I would be remiss to state that all is well and that we are completely in the clear, though we are at least now in a position to address our concerns. I am still working to secure the long-term future of the bookstore and will be open to investment of any level up to that of a partnership in the business.” Steele is encouraging any potential investors to call Wordsmiths or to email him directly, and states that any and all investment opportunities to secure the solvency of the store will be discussed and entertained.
Steele continues on to say that those still wishing to support the store have several options available, from the “Friends of Wordsmiths” loyalty plan to the “events” box which will be available for those wishing to continue to donate when at author events to simply shopping and supporting the store, and promises he will continue to document Wordsmiths’ financial situation on the store blog.
Further looking into the future, the store is focusing on its’ continued array of large, in-store author signings and events, including fantasy legend R.A. Salvatore on Sept 10th, “How Starbucks Saved My Life” author Michael Gates Gill on September 22 and Food Network star Sandra Lee on October 15th, as well as the labor day weekend Decatur Book Festival, for which Wordsmiths will be handling event sales at the Cooks Warehouse stage.
Wordsmiths Books’ owner Zachary Steele’s entire letter to customers is available on-line at blog.wordsmithsbooks.com
For further information on Wordsmiths Books and upcoming events, visit wordsmithsbooks.com