Preserve Queer and BIPOC Stories with Baldwin's Books

Baldwin's Books and Records is organizing this fundraiser.

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Welcome! We’re Lily and Micah from Baldwin’s Books & Records, a radical used book and record store pop-up in Madison, WI. We’re so grateful you’ve landed here!

Inspired by our namesake, the illustrious James Baldwin, we curate literature and music by predominantly LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors and artists. We’re fueled by core values of accessibility, sustainability, and integrity, maintaining prices for used books in like-new condition under $15 to get these essential works into the hands of our community.

At a time where attempts to silence our voices through censorship and oppression feel rampant, we’re resisting by gathering these works for safe-keeping. We must preserve our histories and stories by keeping physical media alive, and Baldwin’s is our piece of the pie in our collective liberation. We know that Madison has incredible bookstores who are fixtures to the community, and we believe that we are fulfilling a need and giving back as a Black and Trans-owned literary and music space in this city that has already given us so much.

To build up to our dream of a Madison-based brick-and-mortar bookstore, we are currently operating as a pop-up store at festivals and community events in the Midwest. We attended this year’s Femmestival at Garver Feed Mill and have received an incredibly supportive response from the local community since! (Thank you for all the love, Madison!) Our upcoming festival pop-ups at several dates of Northstreet's Picnic at the Patio (Bloom Bake Shop – Northstreet, 557 North St.) this Spring/Summer will continue to help us integrate.

Right now Baldwin’s is being funded solely by us. All revenue earned at our pop-ups (and donations received here) will be invested back into operations, like a tent for those warm summer months, tabling fees, display supplies, learning opportunities/business classes, and of course, more essential reads and listens created by BIPOC and queer folks. After these goals for the pop-up are met, any extra funds will go to securing a brick-and-mortar space here in Madison!

We know how difficult it has been to sustain and thrive in America’s looming financial crisis – please know that even a share on social media or keeping us in mind for book donations/other opportunities will help us reach our goals of being a community sanctuary.

OUR DREAM:

Baldwin’s will be a Black and Trans-owned sanctuary and third space for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Madison, WI. Our space will be inviting, eclectic, and center accessibility in all ways– physical accessibility, sensory mindfulness, and fair prices. Along with our offerings of used physical media, we will host community-led writing workshops, art classes, open mics, book release gatherings, readings, book clubs, and listening parties.

OUR SUPPORT NEEDS:

Donations (*We are currently working on a rewards system for donations, so stay tuned!*)

Financial support for pop-up operations (and eventually, to get our brick-and- mortar going!)
Tabling supplies, display supplies, tents, wagons for transport, etc.
Book, record, and CD donations of all genres, especially those by or centering BIPOC and queer voices
Bookshelves, display tables, comfortable seating, and other bookstore furniture

Recommendations

Are you an artist/maker/author or know someone who is? Looking to supply some wares for a really awesome local bookstore to promote and sell? Look no further– we’d love to talk about wholesale options with you!
Commercial space suggestions and tips
Small business logistics advice (booooo taxes booooo)

Thank you for reading, engaging, and sharing this dream with us!

Social Media:

@baldwinsbooks on Instagram and TikTok

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