<h1>Save Laurie's Books: A Community Treasure for 43 Years</h1><h3>Our Community Bookstore Needs Your Help</h3>For 43 years, Laurie's Books has been more than just a bookstore—it has been a cornerstone of our Oregon City community. A place where stories are shared, connections are made, and the love of reading flourishes across generations. Now, this beloved institution faces a critical moment, and we need your help to ensure it remains open for decades to come.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1745341848/wysiwyg/fonoeafcskley9ybrzwe.jpg" style="width:415px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:bottom;margin:5px 0px 5px 5px;text-align:right;max-width:calc(100% - 5px);float:right;text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;border-radius:10px;background-clip:padding-box" /><h3>The Journey: Revitalization and Challenge</h3>When Rekha and Louis purchased Laurie's Books three years ago, they embarked on an ambitious mission to transform the legacy paperback exchange into a full-service new and used bookstore. With passion and dedication, they:<ul><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Relocated to a larger 3,000 square foot space (double the former location)</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Expanded the inventory to include new books and a full selection of genres</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Modernized systems including compliant equipment for credit card transactions and simplified store credit systems</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Created additional community programming</li></ul>Their vision breathed new life into this community treasure. However, the significant investments required to achieve this transformation led to an unsustainable amount of debt. They borrowed $20K for building out the new location including paint, flooring, and custom shelves. They are currently around $25K past due in rent and common area maintenance. And over the past two years, they borrowed $15K to expand the inventory selection and cover the slower months. Despite growing the store and nurturing its community presence, Rekha and Louis have been unable to consistently pay themselves, depleting their savings and maxing out their credit. They now face the difficult reality that the store cannot continue under the current business model.<h3>The Solution: A Community-Owned Nonprofit Bookstore</h3>Rather than closing the doors and liquidating assets, a new path forward has emerged. OC Literary Community, a newly formed nonprofit organization, aims to purchase and operate Laurie's Books as a community-owned bookstore. Our mission is simple yet powerful: "To own and operate Laurie's Books, a local bookstore that supports the wellbeing of its community through buying and selling print media, providing excellent customer service, promoting literacy and the arts, hosting local events, and being a good neighbor and destination for the community." Seven dedicated community members have stepped forward to serve on the nonprofit's board of directors, committed to preserving this vital community space. The 501(c)(3) application has been filed with the IRS, meaning all donations will be retroactively tax-deductible once approved.<h3>Why a Nonprofit Model Works</h3>As a nonprofit, Laurie's Books can:<ul><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Operate sustainably without the burden of existing debt</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Focus on community service rather than profit</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Expand educational programming</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Access grants and tax-deductible donations</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Involve the community through volunteer opportunities</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Ensure this literary resource remains available for future generations</li></ul><h3>Our $200,000 Fundraising Goal</h3>We are seeking to raise $200,000 to purchase the store based on a third-party valuation. This funding will allow:<ol><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Immediate Needs:<ul><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Purchase of the store's assets and inventory</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Current owners to resolve all outstanding debts from proceeds</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Payment of back rent and current expenses</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Transition to nonprofit ownership with a clean financial slate</li></ul></li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Operational Requirements:<ul><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Promote a current employee to store manager</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Hire a bookkeeper to ensure sound financial management</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Provide overdue raises to dedicated staff members</li></ul></li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Future Growth (Stretch Goals):<ul><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Add a coffee shop to enhance the community gathering space</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Expand educational and community programming</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Increase staffing to provide enhanced customer and community support</li></ul></li></ol><h3>A Hub for Community Engagement</h3>Laurie's Books already serves as a vibrant community center, hosting:<ul><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Four active book clubs</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">A crochet club</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">A tea ceremony club</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Author signings and readings</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Artist displays and showings</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Volunteer work opportunities for community involvement</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Donations for local schools and community groups</li></ul>While located within the Portland Urban Growth Boundary, Laurie's Books proudly serves not only our immediate community but also the surrounding suburban and rural areas, providing a literary home for readers across our region. Under nonprofit leadership, we plan to expand these offerings to further fulfill our educational mission and strengthen community bonds.<h3>The Urgent Timeline</h3>Time is of the essence. The store is currently behind on rent, with arrangements made for April and May only. By mid-May, we need to know whether our community fundraising efforts will be successful to:<ol><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Allow the current owners to stay and assist with transition (rather than having to relocate immediately)</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Enable the nonprofit to begin paying rent and bills by June</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Prevent any disruption in service to our community</li></ol>If not, the nonprofit, the owners, and the landlord will have to decide whether the store should be closed and its assets liquidated. If that happens, any donated funds would be returned.<h3><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1745342007/wysiwyg/x7082xsahoxp7o3yt0g4.jpg" style="width:396px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:bottom;margin:5px 0px;text-align:left;max-width:calc(100% - 5px);float:left;text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;border-radius:10px;background-clip:padding-box" /> How You Can Help</h3><h4> Donation Levels and Impact</h4> $25 – Words Matter: Helps purchase new inventory  $50 – Chapter Supporter: Contributes to operational expenses  $100 – Plot Developer: Supports staff raises and transition costs  $250 – Story Champion: Helps with rent and immediate needs  $500 – Narrative Builder: Major contributor to transition success  $1,000 – Bookshelf Guardian: Significant support toward our goal  $5,000+ – Literary Legacy Maker: Transformational gift  All donors will be recognized on our in-store donor wall (unless anonymity is preferred), and donations of $500+ will receive special recognition in our future programming.<h3>Beyond Financial Support</h3><ul><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Volunteer your time at the store</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Spread the word about our campaign</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Attend our upcoming community events</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Share your Laurie's Books stories on social media with <a href="app%3A//obsidian.md/index.html#SaveLauriesBooks" style="text-decoration-color:initial;text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_blank">#SaveLauriesBooks</a></li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Let us know about appropriate grants we might apply for</li><li style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;box-sizing:inherit">Donate through this webpage or in-store (cash/check accepted)</li></ul><h3>A New Chapter for a 43-Year Legacy</h3>With your support, we can write the next chapter in Laurie's Books' 43-year history. By transitioning to a nonprofit model, we ensure this beloved bookstore continues to serve as a beacon of literacy, community, and culture in Oregon City for generations to come. Help us save more than just a bookstore—help us preserve a community institution where stories live, connections thrive, and everyone belongs.

Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style style="text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our cause. This donation greatly helps our mission. If you would like to contribute further to our cause, contact us to become a volunteer, or spread the word about our mission! Rekha Burns storemanager@lauriesbooks.store

Hello First name,
 
 Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for registering to fundraise for our cause. Your efforts will make a significant impact, and we are excited to have you as part of our fundraising team. 👏
 
 💡 Here are some tips for sharing your campaign:
 <ol>
 <li>Personalize Your Story: Share why this cause is important to you. Personal stories resonate more with potential donors.</li>
 <li>Use Social Media: Post about your campaign on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Include the campaign link and a compelling image or video.</li>
 <li>Email Your Network: Send a personal email to friends, family, and colleagues explaining why you are fundraising and how they can help.</li>
 <li>Regular Updates: Keep your supporters informed with updates on your progress and any milestones you reach. This keeps them engaged and more likely to share your campaign.</li>
 </ol>
 Rekha Burns storemanager@lauriesbooks.store

Save Laurie's Books: A Community Treasure for 43 YearsOur Community Bookstore Needs Your HelpFor 43 years, Laurie's Books has been more than just a bookstore—it has been a cornerstone of our Oregon City community. A place where stories are shared, connections are made, and the love of reading flourishes across generations. Now, this beloved institution faces a critical moment, and we need your help to ensure it remains open for decades to come.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1745341848/wysiwyg/fonoeafcskley9ybrzwe.jpg" style="width:415px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:bottom;margin:5px 0px 5px 5px;text-align:right;float:right;text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" />The Journey: Revitalization and ChallengeWhen Rekha and Louis purchased Laurie's Books three years ago, they embarked on an ambitious mission to transform the legacy paperback exchange into a full-service new and used bookstore. With passion and dedication, they:<ul><li>Relocated to a larger 3,000 square foot space (double the former location)</li><li>Expanded the inventory to include new books and a full selection of genres</li><li>Modernized systems including compliant equipment for credit card transactions and simplified store credit systems</li><li>Created additional community programming</li></ul>Their vision breathed new life into this community treasure. However, the significant investments required to achieve this transformation led to an unsustainable amount of debt. They borrowed $20K for building out the new location including paint, flooring, and custom shelves. They are currently around $25K past due in rent and common area maintenance. And over the past two years, they borrowed $15K to expand the inventory selection and cover the slower months. Despite growing the store and nurturing its community presence, Rekha and Louis have been unable to consistently pay themselves, depleting their savings and maxing out their credit. They now face the difficult reality that the store cannot continue under the current business model.The Solution: A Community-Owned Nonprofit BookstoreRather than closing the doors and liquidating assets, a new path forward has emerged. OC Literary Community, a newly formed nonprofit organization, aims to purchase and operate Laurie's Books as a community-owned bookstore. Our mission is simple yet powerful: "To own and operate Laurie's Books, a local bookstore that supports the wellbeing of its community through buying and selling print media, providing excellent customer service, promoting literacy and the arts, hosting local events, and being a good neighbor and destination for the community." Seven dedicated community members have stepped forward to serve on the nonprofit's board of directors, committed to preserving this vital community space. The 501(c)(3) application has been filed with the IRS, meaning all donations will be retroactively tax-deductible once approved.Why a Nonprofit Model WorksAs a nonprofit, Laurie's Books can:<ul><li>Operate sustainably without the burden of existing debt</li><li>Focus on community service rather than profit</li><li>Expand educational programming</li><li>Access grants and tax-deductible donations</li><li>Involve the community through volunteer opportunities</li><li>Ensure this literary resource remains available for future generations</li></ul>Our $200,000 Fundraising GoalWe are seeking to raise $200,000 to purchase the store based on a third-party valuation. This funding will allow:<ol><li>Immediate Needs:<ul><li>Purchase of the store's assets and inventory</li><li>Current owners to resolve all outstanding debts from proceeds</li><li>Payment of back rent and current expenses</li><li>Transition to nonprofit ownership with a clean financial slate</li></ul></li><li>Operational Requirements:<ul><li>Promote a current employee to store manager</li><li>Hire a bookkeeper to ensure sound financial management</li><li>Provide overdue raises to dedicated staff members</li></ul></li><li>Future Growth (Stretch Goals):<ul><li>Add a coffee shop to enhance the community gathering space</li><li>Expand educational and community programming</li><li>Increase staffing to provide enhanced customer and community support</li></ul></li></ol>A Hub for Community EngagementLaurie's Books already serves as a vibrant community center, hosting:<ul><li>Four active book clubs</li><li>A crochet club</li><li>A tea ceremony club</li><li>Author signings and readings</li><li>Artist displays and showings</li><li>Volunteer work opportunities for community involvement</li><li>Donations for local schools and community groups</li></ul>While located within the Portland Urban Growth Boundary, Laurie's Books proudly serves not only our immediate community but also the surrounding suburban and rural areas, providing a literary home for readers across our region. Under nonprofit leadership, we plan to expand these offerings to further fulfill our educational mission and strengthen community bonds.The Urgent TimelineTime is of the essence. The store is currently behind on rent, with arrangements made for April and May only. By mid-May, we need to know whether our community fundraising efforts will be successful to:<ol><li>Allow the current owners to stay and assist with transition (rather than having to relocate immediately)</li><li>Enable the nonprofit to begin paying rent and bills by June</li><li>Prevent any disruption in service to our community</li></ol>If not, the nonprofit, the owners, and the landlord will have to decide whether the store should be closed and its assets liquidated. If that happens, any donated funds would be returned.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1745342007/wysiwyg/x7082xsahoxp7o3yt0g4.jpg" style="width:396px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:bottom;margin:5px 0px;text-align:left;float:left;text-shadow:transparent 0px 0px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.68) 0px 0px 0px;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" /> How You Can Help Donation Levels and Impact $25 – Words Matter: Helps purchase new inventory  $50 – Chapter Supporter: Contributes to operational expenses  $100 – Plot Developer: Supports staff raises and transition costs  $250 – Story Champion: Helps with rent and immediate needs  $500 – Narrative Builder: Major contributor to transition success  $1,000 – Bookshelf Guardian: Significant support toward our goal  $5,000+ – Literary Legacy Maker: Transformational gift  All donors will be recognized on our in-store donor wall (unless anonymity is preferred), and donations of $500+ will receive special recognition in our future programming.Beyond Financial Support<ul><li>Volunteer your time at the store</li><li>Spread the word about our campaign</li><li>Attend our upcoming community events</li><li>Share your Laurie's Books stories on social media with <a href="app%3A//obsidian.md/index.html#SaveLauriesBooks" target="_blank">#SaveLauriesBooks</a></li><li>Let us know about appropriate grants we might apply for</li><li>Donate through this webpage or in-store (cash/check accepted)</li></ul>A New Chapter for a 43-Year LegacyWith your support, we can write the next chapter in Laurie's Books' 43-year history. By transitioning to a nonprofit model, we ensure this beloved bookstore continues to serve as a beacon of literacy, community, and culture in Oregon City for generations to come. Help us save more than just a bookstore—help us preserve a community institution where stories live, connections thrive, and everyone belongs.