04/27/2023
Hi Friends,
It breaks my heart to let you know that Bel and Bunna’s Books will close for good on Sunday 30th April. I know this may come as a surprise to many of you, and I apologize. The last 6 years and 11 months have been a labor of love, and every moment has been magical. However the last 18 months have been terrible for us, and despite multiple pivots, we have never been able to recover, and this year has been the worst. Competing with the online giants and with the current retail climate has been a disaster for us. Shopping locally is everyone’s passion, but reality often conflicts with the dream. I am now two months behind in rent and have been served with a pay or quit notice from the landlords, which is their right… I spent yesterday evening talking this all through with closest family and friends to see if a Go Fund Me would work, but we came to the conclusion that even if the community was beyond generous, the situation could well happen again 6 months down the line.
I am still continuing with Monday Circle Time at the Lafayette Library and hope to expand my presence there. I am also continuing our three book groups, elsewhere. I will figure out the details and be in touch.
Please do stop by before we go (although I will probably cry…) and please do come in on Saturday April 29th for Independent Bookstore Day – there are going to be final sales and some fantastic story times and prizes – since I have to go out it’s going to be with a bang. If you have gift cards please do use them, they will be obsolete from Monday. If you have bought gift cards within the month, let’s talk. The doors will be open until Sunday at 5pm.
I have loved being part of your lives, fostering your children’s love for reading and helping them to discover their passions and voices; I have loved working with the schools and outside organizations to build literacy and community. But most of all, it has been a joy to watch your children grow and become wonderful human beings and life long thinkers.
Thank you for being part of my wonderful journey. It’s been a total blast. I hope that some day, some how, Bel and Bunna Books will find a way to re-emerge.
Bel 👩🏻🦰🐰📚