07/31/2026
To our Defenders members, patrons, volunteers, and community,
The Environmental Defenders Board of Directors has had to make some difficult decisions about the bookstores recently based on upcoming changes in lease agreements and related overhead costs, as well as their overall financial viability as sales have declined for several years. While these actions may seem sudden, I assure you that they have been under discussion by the Board and Defenders staff for quite some time.
A major function of the Board is to ensure the financial sustainability of the Environmental Defenders. Initially, the bookstores were supposed to be a fundraiser as well as a means of reusing books. For the past few years, we have tried numerous strategies to get the bookstores to break even or at least run at only a minimum deficit. In the last year, traffic at the Woodstock Mall has declined to such an extent that the Green Spot has not made a profit. The current location is simply no longer a viable option. After lengthy discussion, we have decided not to renew that lease. This decision was not made lightly.
As we will not be renewing the current lease, The Green Spot will be closing September 19, 2026.
Meanwhile, we have signed a three-year lease for The Green Read. The Board recognizes and understands that The Green Read is a vital community resource, and we continue to view The Green Read as a pillar within the Environmental Defenders. Our goal is to ensure that concentrating on just one bookstore, at a location that consistently sees more customers than the Green Spot, will allow us to decrease overall costs while maintaining an important community resource.
Moving forward, we want to maintain a presence in the Woodstock community. The Board and staff are working on feasible solutions. We want to genuinely thank all patrons, volunteers and our bookstore staff of The Green Spot for their dedication to our store and our mission.
Sincerely,
Bev Dow, President
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If you are a patron of The Green Spot, we appreciate your feedback and support of our bookstore. You may fill out a simple feedback form as your feedback will be heard and taking into careful consideration. Thank you.
https://forms.gle/mV1XEDeUaZ5bcxtP7
