Mission to Renovate the Bookstore & Help the Arts

For those who are unaware, Belle MO has a thriving arts scene allowing for a creative flow of ideas to be shared among artists. In support of that Friends of the Belle Library which owns and operates Barb's Books (one of the largest second-hand nonprofit bookstores in the state of Missouri) allows for events to be held within the bookstore. However, there are a couple of plaguing issues. The bookstore can only be accessed via stairs and therefore excludes lots of potential visitors and the store can only be open when the weather is mild enough to allow for people to be in the building - shutting down in the winter and for instances of extreme heat. To address these problems, I as the Belle Poet Laureate am trying to raise funds, work with contractors, and complete two of the renovations with the largest expenses facing Barb's Books. This will allow for more events to be held year-round showcasing artists from all mediums, plus book sales to happen year-round and therefore additional support to the charities that Friends of the Belle Library (primarily the library) benefit with their donations.

The Goal

Step 1 - To build an ADA-compliant ramp thereby making Barb's Books accessible to all.

Step 2 - To install HVAC into the building thereby allowing for use and the hours of operation to be expanded to year-round.

Any funds raised above and beyond what are required for the ramp and HVAC projects will be split between the Heartland Regional Library branches of Belle and Vienna.

Edit - HVAC seems like it will not be plausible at this time for the bookstore, but we are still working toward completing the ADA Accessible ramp, which we were successful in getting the concrete work finished on. If remaining funds are available after the ramp is completed, we will look at what other projects might be able to be completed using the funds or the funds will still be donated to the Heartland Regional Library Branches of Belle and Vienna.