Bay Area indie Books Inc. has launched a one-month, $100,000 fundraising campaign for its 501(c)3 literacy nonprofit, Reading Bridge. Last month, Books Inc. filed for voluntary reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The filing does not directly impact Reading Bridge, which emphasizes inclusive titles, facilitates book fair fundraising, and—at Title 1 schools—contributes free reading materials to reach every student regardless of family income.
“Fundraising for Reading Bridge has been something we’ve been developing since 2023,” when the nonprofit was launched, Books Inc. CEO Andy Perham told PW. “Books Inc.’s customer base has been the main significant source of funding” for the nonprofit, through contributions that include rounding up at the register.
While Reading Bridge functions as an independent entity, with its own board of directors and staff, it still relies on financial support from Books Inc. “With the reality of Books Inc.’s reorganization, this is a good time to reinforce the sustainability of the Reading Bridge” with donations from a fund drive, Perham said. He noted that as Bay Area communities become aware of the Reading Bridge, more schools want to be considered for the program. A successful donation drive will “position the Reading Bridge to be able to say yes to our schools and expand the book distribution piece,” said Perham.
In a statement, Books Inc. underscored that “all funds raised will go directly to support the organization’s book donations and distributions, bolster community partnerships, create literacy workshops and provide author readings to under-resourced schools.”
Reading Bridge board president Cal Crosby, owner of the King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, reinforced the importance of the nonprofit’s mission. “As readers we take for granted the books that have changed our lives, but many kids don’t have access to libraries or resources for purchasing books. We work to offer kids not only access but the first seeds to a home book collection," Crosby said.
As for where the Chapter 11 proceedings stand, Perham said Books Inc. filed first-day motions for its financial reorganization on January 27, and is still figuring out the terms for its restructure. As planned, the company closed its Berkeley location on February 9, and now operates 10 independent bookstores, in addition to promoting community literacy through the Reading Bridge.
“From the earliest days, as we’ve moved through this, the conversations with publishing partners have been very positive, and it’s clear there’s a recognition across the industry of how important and valuable Books Inc. is,” Perham told PW. “It’s important for us to keep reminding folks how impactful their support can be” to both the Reading Bridge and Books Inc. “We’re committed to coming out of this and confident we’re going to be able to.”
