The Other Change of Hobbit Bookstore (original) (raw)
The Other Change of Hobbit has hit a wall. Both literally and figuratively.
In March, as some of you know, while we were in the process of looking for a new space, we were abruptly forced to move on less than a week's notice. We made the move on a shoestring, having raised abut $10K less than we needed to complete the move and set up the new space. We were hoping we'd be able to take care of things as they came up, but that hasn't happened.
Sales here have been half what they were in South Berkeley, mostly because the place hasn't been ready. People come in and take a look around and say they'll come back when we're set up. Or when our cats, Sam and Trouble, are back with us.
There's been one delay after another in getting the space set up. The accessible bathroom, for example, was over a month late and cost our landlord three times what had been estimated.
Because of this, the landlord is now balking at the expense of the final piece of construction: the wall that will separate our store from the rest of the building interior.
So. What can be done?
1. The most urgent thing is that we need to raise 5000forbackrentbynoonMonday,orthedoorsshutonTheOtherChangeofHobbitafterthirty−sixyearsinbusiness.Wedon′thavethemoneytomoveagain,sothiscouldbeforever.Wealreadyhavecommitmentsfor5000 for back rent by noon Monday, or the doors shut on The Other Change of Hobbit after thirty-six years in business. We don't have the money to move again, so this could be forever. We already have commitments for 5000forbackrentbynoonMonday,orthedoorsshutonTheOtherChangeofHobbitafterthirty−sixyearsinbusiness.Wedon′thavethemoneytomoveagain,sothiscouldbeforever.Wealreadyhavecommitmentsfor2000. Here are some ways you can help us raise the rest:
2. Next, we need to raise money for the missing wall, once the contractor gives us an estimate.
Dave wants to set up an Indiegogo fundraiser, but he needs help in organizing it. If you have experience with Indiegogo, or even if you don't but have the time and energy to learn about it, Dave could use your help!
Other fundraising ideas are welcome, too.
Please help us get the new Other Change of Hobbit finished and fully open for business! Anything you buy this weekend, anything you can donate, any help you can give will be greatly appreciated, and you'll be keeping the doors open on one of the oldest science fiction bookstores. Please help us continue to be a home for science fiction fans!
email to: ochobbit[at]otherchangeofhobbit[dot]com
SnailMail: 1600 Kearney St, Ste A, El Cerrito CA 94530-2119 USA
Phone: 510-848-0413 or 510-OKHOBBI(T)
Web Page design and maintenance by Dave Nee
© 2013 The Other Change of Hobbit