After twenty-five years of community service, I am appealing to those of you who have supported us during these rewarding years. During these gratifying, memorable and wonderful years, we have enriched our community and housed, presented, and previewed the invaluable works of past and present writers, poets, storytellers, artists, and musicians.
Unfortunately, we are currently in danger of being forced to close our doors. Up until 2024, I managed the building that houses the bookstore for the co-op board. As gentrification takes shape and there is a new board of directors, I no longer hold that position. I am no longer able to use that salary to pay for the space. In addition, the board has refused to renew our lease.
We never returned to the level of foot traffic that we enjoyed prior to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The healthy online sales that we enjoyed during that time have drastically tapered off. Over the years, I have used my personal funds to help offset costs. I can no longer afford to do that.
I am seeking innovative ideas, support from volunteers and philanthropists, and, yes, DONATIONS. We are looking to establish a board of directors to strategize ways to keep our doors open, if not at our current location, then at another site. Together, we will find a way to keep this institution and its legacy as part of our collective history and the Harlem and Sugar Hill and Hamilton Heights communities.
I am grateful for all your support for more than two decades. I am not tired! I am ready, I am willing, and I am able with your help to STAND WITH SISTER’S UPTOWN BOOKSTORE & CULTURAL CENTER. With your continued support we will keep the doors of this community safe space open.
Sister’s Uptown Bookstore Sustainability Plan:
Since opening our doors in 2000, Sister’s Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center has been more than a bookstore. We have served as a cultural hub in Harlem where neighbors gather, voices are amplified, and diverse authors are celebrated. Our mission is to nurture minds, hearts, and spirits through literature, cultural exchange, and community programming. With your support, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also creating a sustainable model that preserves our home, generates steady revenue, and strengthens community ties, ensuring that Sister’s Uptown continues to thrive well into the future.
Renovations and Remodeling
We are strengthening our space through important improvements that support our operational budget and long-term stability.
● Refreshing the store with updated fixtures, signage, and shelving to create a more inviting environment.
● Renovating the basement to expand the Cultural Center with space for workshops, rentals, and community events.
● Adding shelving capacity to hold more inventory and meet customer demand.
Expand Revenue Streams
To ensure long-term sustainability, we are expanding our income sources
● Remodeling and leasing the coffee shop to an independent operator, generating steady rental income and attracting more visitors.
● Growing revenue through expanded inventory, book subscriptions, memberships, and pre-order programs.
● Adding a consignment section to feature local entrepreneurs, artists, and creators.
Programs and Marketing
Our connection with the community has always been at the heart of who we are, and we are continuing to expand it
● Investing in marketing staff to grow our social media presence, digital outreach, and customer engagement.
● Hosting monthly Uptown Movie Nights, author talks, and book clubs that bring people together.
● Building partnerships with local tourism networks, community groups, and nearby businesses to increase visibility and strengthen ties.
● Launching our first Gala to celebrate the 25th anniversary and establish a sustaining tradition for future programming.