Booksellers Affected by California Wildfires, Power Outages Urged to Contact Binc

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The Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) is urging booksellers and comic retailers with expenses related to the recent wildfires and power outages in California to reach out to the organization, which has stood by the bookstore community in times of need since its founding in 1996.

Binc logoAccording to Binc, hundreds of booksellers have been evacuated from their homes due to the wildfires currently happening in California, and at least a dozen bookstores have been temporarily closed (see the latest coverage from Shelf Awareness and Publishers Weekly). At the same time, those stores that have not been evacauated and are trying to stay open without power have only a few customers coming through the door. Here are a few of the ways the Binc Foundation may be able to help those bookstore owners and employees affected by the fires:

  • If a store has to close or business is so slow (due to evacuations, fires, and/or loss of electricity) that you cannot pay the store rent or utilities, Binc may be able to pay rent and utility expenses on your behalf.
  • If a bookseller/retailer misses 50 percent of scheduled weekly work hours, Binc may be able to help with personal household expenses if this missed income causes financial hardship.
  • If a bookseller/retailer needs to relocate to temporary housing with power for emergency reasons (medical condition, elderly household members, infant, etc.), Binc may be able to help pay for temporary lodging and supplies.

fire CABooksellers who have been affected by the California fires and related power outages are invited to e-mail Binc at [email protected] or call (866) 733-9064 to talk through possible assistance options with Binc staff. Booksellers who know of colleagues affected by the fires are asked to spread the word about Binc via personal outreach and on social media.

Binc also reported Wednesday that New York-based literary agency The Book Group has announced a $2,000 match to help booksellers affected by the wildfires and power outages. Donors who give today will have their donation matched dollar for dollar. In addition, donors who sign up today to be a monthly sustaining donor will have their donations matched dollar-for-dollar.

To help all booksellers affected by similar emergencies, severe weather incidents, and/or natural disasters, donate to Binc today.

American Booksellers Association member stores that are unable to register for Winter Institute special events due to the California wildfires should contact [email protected] by Friday, November 15. Registration opened on Tuesday, October 29. In addition, stores that need help connecting with LIBRIS insurance services or require ABA’s assistance securing extended credit from publishers, please be in touch with ABA Senior Membership Manager Daniel O’Brien at [email protected].