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Help Lake Forest Book Store

Lake Forest Book Store has been an institution in our community for the past 70 years. We have supported this community by having author events, conducting book fairs at our local schools, donating to many non-profits and providing a staff who are well read and great book sellers.  

As an independently owned store we have faced many battles, such as competing with big box stores, the internet and e-readers. Now we are facing our biggest challenge with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has closed our store to the public in accordance with the shelter-in-place order. I count on daily foot traffic to pay my bills, which include payroll, rent, publisher bills, vendor bills and utilities. In the past when business was slow, I used my personal savings to help subsidize the store, but now I am unable to do so. The book industry has incredibly small profit margins as demonstrated by this informational website provided by the American Booksellers Association. https://www.saveindiebookstores.com/whatittakes 

It is never easy to ask for help. We, like so many others are facing a difficult future and are pursuing all available opportunities for financial relief. We humbly ask for your contributions through a Go Fund Me campaign. The collected funds will help us navigate these extraordinary times and make sure that we can reach our goal of keeping our bookstore open. When businesses are allowed to re-open we are unsure what the market will bring or how quickly we will be able to resume our normal operations. We are grateful for any amount given! 

Since, I became owner of the store seven years ago, I have gotten to know most of you and appreciate all the kind words you have expressed to me. On behalf of my staff and myself thank you for all your support and hope that “this too shall pass.”

 

Fondly,

Eleanor Thorn
Owner


**I am in awe of the response to our GoFundMe campaign and am humbled that you’ve helped us reach half of our fundraising goal! On behalf of myself and the entire staff at Lake Forest Book Store, I would like to thank everyone who has supported us with their donations and business. With your help, I know we will reach our goal and continue to serve the community for many years to come. Thank you all so much for your generosity and support throughout this difficult time. Stay well and happy reading.

Sincerely,
Eleanor Thorn
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $200 
    • 2 yrs
  • Elissa Kovas
    • $150 
    • 3 yrs
  • Gabriele Grumhaus
    • $250 
    • 3 yrs
  • Brendan Shea
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Adrienne Shea
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
Donate

Organiser

Eleanor Thorn
Organiser
Lake Forest, IL

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