Main fundraiser photo

Make Bookie's Wheelchair Accessible

About us:
Bookie's is a small, independent bookstore on the south side of Chicago that has been selling books to its community since 1989!

If you asked anyone to describe the store in one word, it would probably be "cramped." We have a large bookstore's volume in a seriously tiny space.

The Problem we need to solve:
It is so cramped that it feels almost uninviting to those with disabilities, specifically our potential guests who are in wheelchairs. We regularly have customers in wheelchairs who are forced to remain in the front of the store while their family members shop -- or who don't bother to come in at all. This just isn't acceptable.

What we're doing about it:
We recently made the decision to expand to a larger location where we can make the entire store accessible to those with disabilities. Our plan is to move the bulk of the store to this new location, while clearing out most of the current space for book signings, community events, book clubs, and more! The new space is 175 steps around the corner!

While we're putting a LOT of our own money into this venture -- new fixtures, renovation, additional stock, etc. we are going to great lengths to ensure that we are accessible to all in BOTH spaces.

This is why we need help.
There is just not money in the budget to ensure that all of the requirements are met for both bathrooms to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. In truth, it is optional to remodel these bathrooms. But, really, it's not.

We want to work to exceed all of these requirements. We are giving up many square feet of retail space to ensure that ANYONE who wants to come to our store can do so. We can't claim to be a community bookstore and ignore members of our community in our plans.

How You Can Help:
Please help in any way you can. The amount requested is for the expansion of TWO restrooms so they can be completely ADA-Compliant.

This will require reframing of the rooms to expand the size of the bathrooms, new toilets, new sinks, wheelchair grab bars, automatic lights, repositioning of bathroom appliances, relocation of the intake duct, flooring, painting, and more.

Thank you for your consideration. Anything will help!

Organizer

Bookie's OldPage
Organizer
Chicago, IL

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.