Why This Bookstore Matters

Odd Bird Bookshop isn’t just a retail space.

It’s:

• A home for local authors.

• A gathering space for book clubs and workshops.

• A cozy place for kids to discover the magic of reading.

• A safe, welcoming environment for neurodivergent readers and families.

• A small business rooted in community, inclusion, and literacy access.

After more than 20 years working in the creative industry, I chose to pivot into entrepreneurship — not just to build a business, but to build something meaningful for my family and my community. As a mother of two (including a neurodivergent daughter), I wanted to create a space that feels thoughtful, calm, creative, and truly welcoming.

Bel Air deserves an independent bookstore.

And we are ready to build it — together.

The Vision

Our 880-square-foot storefront in walkable downtown Bel Air will feature:

Carefully curated new & used books (with a focus on diverse voices)

A magical children’s section

Gifts, literary goods, and cozy reading accessories

Author events & signings

Book clubs and literacy programs

Partnerships with local schools & nonprofits

Themed pop-ups and community gatherings

This won’t be a big-box experience.

It will be personal. Intentional. Rooted in relationships.

What Your Support Will Fund

Opening a physical bookstore requires more than shelves and books. Your contributions will help cover:

Store build-out & shelving

Initial book inventory (new & used)

Point-of-sale system

Signage & exterior branding

Insurance, permits & licensing

Opening event costs

Accessibility improvements

Community programming setup

Every dollar brings us closer to unlocking those doors.

Why Crowdfunding?

We chose GoFundMe because we want this bookstore to be built with community support — not just traditional financing.

When you back this campaign, you’re not just funding a business.

You’re investing in:

Independent bookselling

Local culture

Small business resilience

A space that supports literacy and belonging

This bookstore belongs to the community — and this is your chance to be part of its foundation.

Why Now?

Independent bookstores are resurging — not because they’re trendy, but because people crave connection.

In an increasingly digital world, we need real spaces where:

Kids can browse without algorithms.

Conversations happen face-to-face.

Readers discover voices they didn’t know they needed.

Community feels tangible.

This is our moment to create that space in Bel Air.

️ What Makes Odd Bird Different

We are:

Woman-owned

Community-driven

Literacy-focused

Inclusive by design

Rooted in creative storytelling

We believe bookstores are sacred spaces.

And we’re ready to steward one with care.

How You Can Help

Back the campaign.

Share it with friends.

Post about it on social media.

Tell someone why independent bookstores matter.

Visit us when we open.

Every share, every pledge, every encouraging message makes a difference.

From My Heart to Yours

Opening a bookstore has been a long-held dream — one built through late nights, pop-ups, online sales, and countless conversations with readers who want this space to exist.

If you’ve ever found comfort in a book…

If you believe small businesses strengthen communities…

If you want Bel Air to have a place that celebrates stories…

We would be honored to have your support.

Let’s build something beautiful together.

With gratitude,

Jessica

Founder, Odd Bird Bookshop