Help Save Book Culture
I've been told SideShow Rare & Remarkable Books is a magical bookstore -- an adventurous journey of lost treasure, wisdom, and discovery. I bet the same could be said for most independent bookstores across the country. Those that remain!
I believe bookstores serve two crucial purposes in our culture: first, they expose people to fresh ideas, voices, facts and feelings; second, (less obvious but possibly more important) used bookstores keep the book population alive and available to new minds.
Books are mirrors with which to better see and understand ourselves and our worlds. Unwittingly discarding our physical books seems a form of civic neglect that may have serious consequences.
Without a convenient and easily accessible bookstore to accept and welcome these older books, a significant percentage of the books presently sitting on shelves (I'd estimate anywhere from 30% to 60%) will likely be dumped, recycled or otherwise lost.
Since 1995, I have been locating and preserving publications once considered disposable: early paperbacks, pulp fiction, underground newspapers, and other forms of alternative publishing. These unwanted literary cast-offs have proven rich in cultural significance. Now, even mainstream books of the 20th century are at risk since many people believe "everything is on the internet now."
Twice in the last 6 months, SideShow has been called in to do "book rescues" -- saving two remarkable libraries from ending up in the dumpster. These libraries were filled with rare publications, books, pamphlets, broadsides and journals -- the type of printed material that provides voice to marginalized people and ideas, illuminates dark corners of history and explores esoteric thinking known to but a few.
In short, we rescued ideas and expression from extinction. We brought them all to the bookstore
to be catalogued, recommended, read, discussed, and appreciated. Now, retaining their original power, they live again.
So, to lose a dedicated bookstore that cares for the books of its community is to lose a crucial link in the chain of cultural experience -- knowledge passing
from past to future generations.
As an experienced member of the book-trade, I feel that bookstore survival can no longer rest solely in the hands of small business owners in their pitched battle with market forces. Our carefully-curated bookstores should be considered as important to our communities as our art museums.
To that end, I have decided to seek financial support for SideShow to become an impactful not-for-profit organization with the core mission: To preserve and promote "book culture."
As we have reached a tipping point with the loss of bookstores, I am moving rapidly to expand both our physical space and our services.
In addition to expanding one of Southern California's best-loved bookstore inventories, I look forward to expanding our current programming (which has thus far included exhibits and readings) to soon include:
*hosting bi-weekly author readings,
*hosting quarterly talks on the "Future of The Book," by noted writers and scholars,
*offering storytime children's book readings,
*creating Early Childhood Reading Outreach to offer in-need children and their parents books to take home to build their own libraries, "Books-to-Build-On,"
*organizing and hosting evening book group gatherings,
*writers' workshops
*hosting elementary school field-trips with dynamic presentations on "The History of The Book," and the hands-on "Make Your Own Book" activity,
*awarding Research Fellowships to the Middle-and-High-School students, giving them access to our permanent archive of out-of-print books and primary-source printed materials,
*estabishing a small scholarship fund for graduating high school students,
*providing internship opportunities at the college-level,
*building a network to distribute surplus unwanted ("orphaned") books to schools, neighborhood organizations, rest-homes and other places where they will be welcomed and embraced,
*re-printing deserving out-of-print books to make them available at lower costs,
*helping to re-open used-bookstore stores in underserved areas, cities, towns, etc.,
*building advocacy for and promoting "Book Culture" nationwide!
As of the end of May, 2018, SideShow has transitioned from a small bookstore to a significantly larger physical location that will allow us to pursue this empassioned vision of greater service to readers, books and those yet to discover the joy of a great book.
We are in our nascent stage of establishing our non-profit status so can't offer tax incentives right now; however, we will express our enormous appreciation by a variety of benefits, books and rewards, extending discounts to you, etc.
We need all the support we can get right now to successfully complete the vision for our new space:
Demo, Renovation: $5800
Moving: $2800
12 x 17 Storage Pod Purchase: $1900
Bldg. Security Deposit: $5800
Security System Update: $1100
Exterior Signage: $3000
Property/Liability Insurance: $2350
Inventory Management Software & Hardware $3300
Used P.A. System - Donation
Chairs - Donation
Furniture - Donation
Childrens' Storytime Program Annual: $600
Early Childhood Books-to-Build-On Program: $21,000
Elementary Schools Program Annual: $1860
Middle School Fellowship Program Annual: $2200
High School Fellowship Program Annual: $2500
Internship Lunch Program Annual: $800
College Scholarship Program Annual: $2500
Orphaned Books Placement Program: $8400
Total Target $65,968
All rent, utilities, salaries and other expenses ($137,000) will be covered by our usual daily instore and online book sales.
To our remarkable friends and customers, a great thank you for all your support, and to all who have yet to visit and experience SideShow, we welcome you to come in and find your treasures!
This is the start of something big and wonderful.
Please contribute and help us make a better world.
Check out our great customers (and the very nice things they've said)!
A Visit to SideShow Rare and Remarkable Books, Art & Curiosities
Here's an early report on SideShow's beginnings.
Another journey down the bookstore rabbit hole!
