North Figueroa Bookshop has launched a $30,000 Indiegogo campaign to help fund an expansion of its location in the historic Highland Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles, Calif. The bookstore opened in 2022 as a joint venture of L.A.-based independent publishers Rare Bird and Unnamed Press, with the collaborative support of founding publisher sponsors Grove Atlantic and MCD Books.
In an e-mail announcing the plans, North Figueroa Bookshop noted that the expansion will nearly triple the footprint of the store to include an event space and art gallery, adding: "Increased accessibility to literature, children's books, art and inclusive public discourse is our answer to repressive forces everywhere.... Solidarity and friendship empower us, and they are critical to survival. We are well on our way. Now we need your help to launch strong by July 1, 2025."
The crowdfunder will help the bookstore to complete construction associated with building out the new space; expand the children's section and mural, as well as its inventory of Spanish-language books; acquire new shelving/displays and furniture, and more.
North Figueroa Bookshop noted on its Indiegogo page that the expansion "will allow us to feature more live events, increasing accessibility to books, art and inclusive public discourse. The Citizen's Band Art Hall (CBAH) at North Figueroa Bookshop expands our commitment to community.... CBAH at North Fig is a place for people to come together. Solidarity and friendship empower us, and they are critical to survival. In partnership with our extremely supportive landlords, we are well on our way."
In collaboration with mural artist Natalie Cruz, a portion of the proceeds will go toward a mural series in support of the community, with the first being a statement of belief, hope, and resistance, supporting the fundamental right to read: "Reading Is A Human Right."