- R
All donators get a permanent 15% discount from the store starting now.
I’m often of two minds when it comes to crowdfunding. I’m generation x, brought up by the silent generation and I have one boomer brother. Like my brothers, especially the boomer, I have a great work ethic, but I also have a desire in this second half of my life to be able to sustain myself doing what I love.
I believe it’s important, as humans, to help other humans whenever possible. It’s a simple kindness and benefits the giver as well as the receiver. Right now, with basics costing more than ever, few of us are able to help the way we might want to, which is why crowdfunding is so important. Sharing requests for help is just as important as a donation and that’s why I’m here today. I need your help.
My goal has always been to keep Shelburne's beloved bookstore alive and to bring literary arts to the forefront of this community. I want Shorebound Books to become the literary centre of Shelburne County and be an integral part of the South Shore literary community. I have extra space at the back of the house that used to be a hair studio that could easily be rented to a complementary business. At this point, however, the money is gone and it's not flowing in.
I need help getting caught up on bookstore-based debt and I need capital to improve and expand this business which I believe could have a very positive effect on the town, especially with regards to the arts. I believe it will also improve the economy. Help would be so appreciated.
What I envision for my “literary haven”:
- Monthly events at the very least - authors, musicians, artists - preferably local.
- A regular book club that could include guest appearances by authors when possible.
- Workshops (hosted in back building) - writing, crafting, music, art, anything that folks may be interested in.
- Sponsor a literary festival annually in Shelburne County - think “Read by the Sea”.
- Perhaps a coffee shop someday.
- An online store with a blog, potential podcast, and membership is a possibility.
Things I need:
- The outside look of the building needs upgrading including:
- Paint
- Trim
- Roof
- Windows
- A stash of inventory capital to improve the offerings of the store.
I have incurred a lot of debt in the past three years while operating this store. I know the best days are in the future and I’m confident that the above changes would increase brand knowledge and sales. Also, by expanding into the digital space I can bring awareness of the company beyond just the borders of Shelburne County.
Any help is appreciated. Sharing is just as good as donating.
HISTORY
Timeline:
2020
March - my father passes away in London, ON from COVID
September - I arrive in Shelburne to resettle
2021
June - The local bookstore, The Whirligig, shutters. To save the books and fixtures from the dump (and because I always wanted one), I acquired the lot and opened my own store under the same name. It will end up taking a year to be ready to do this.
2022
The store opened on July 29, 2022 with our first event on the long weekend in August. Sales were fantastic right off the bat. We prospered well into the Christmas season.
2023
- May - the first of the 2023 fires begins and things were out of control until the middle of June. The last of the fires were extinguished by the end of July. Businesses were severely affected.
- The fires were followed by floods and hurricane weather resulting in a very low sales year.
2024
The fires of 2023 seemed to boost business in some areas, but other areas needed more recovery time. The bookstore fell into the latter category.
2025
This is the year of taking stock of what the store has and what it needs and so here I am looking for your help.
Organizer
