Room to Bloom Fundraiser
Here's a little background on how we got here and what we're trying to achieve!
(If you already know our story & are ready to help, keep scrolling.)
What We Are
The Reading Room CLE (RRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to literacy, community engagement, and fiscal sponsorship. Rather than relying solely on book sales to sustain operations, RRC has intentionally created a diversified income strategy that augments and supports its bookstore as a third space—a welcoming, safe environment where people can pause, read, rest, and connect.
How We Work
We mostly operate on earned income. We sell books, locally handmade art and gifts, event tickets, and our amazing services! We're almost entirely run by volunteers spanning all across the greater Cleveland area.
“When we do pay our workers we pay a competitive, thriving wage.”
-Founder & Executive Director, L.S. Quinn
RRC offers a good product at a good price, we're confident in our work, and we almost never ask for money without offering concrete value in return. We built up our operating reserve, starting in 2018 with zero dollars and two boxes of donated books, by working from our home offices and storing our inventory in founder Quinn's small suburban bungalow!
Taking Strides
Back in 2023, we ran a successful crowdfunding campaign and spent down some of our reserve to move into a beautiful retail space. It had charm, lots of sunlight, and ample opportunity to make meaningful impacts on our community. On April 27th, 2024, after months of hard work and lots of stairs, we opened to the public and the customer response was fabulous!
Disaster Struck
Shortly after opening, the elevator failed and was no longer safe for public use. Shortly after that the HVAC went out, and we were suddenly trying to run a bookstore in an un-air-conditioned third-floor walkup. Negotiations with our landlord failed, and by October we were heartbreakingly forced to move the whole shop into storage. We've been back to remote operations ever since, and we're practically bursting at the seams. We desperately need to reopen; the whole bookstore is getting rootbound and this flowerpot, aka Quinn's house and everyone's patience, is about to crack.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
After months of searching, we've found a new space in a walkable shopping district, with a landlord who won't ignore an HVAC outage or a broken door lock! They're asking for a large security deposit, though, and the move itself will cost thousands of dollars. We've rebuilt our reserve since 2023, but the costs of this next move will shorten our runway quite a bit and limit our ability to do our important work. We're asking our Readers to donate to the move fund or pledge ongoing support as we pack, move, and reopen for business.
Help Us Grow New Roots
Typically we ask for support in these 2 ways:
However, in this unique situation we're asking for some additional support:
1. Seed Money: a one-time donation towards our opening costs
2. Sunshine & Water: a four-month commitment to helping with our startup process over the summer
3. Overwintering: sustaining donations; an ongoing monthly contribution that will help us get through lean months and build a contingency fund