I am no entrepreneur. In fact, as a union member and soon-to-be home owner, my sympathies and finances are very much committed elsewhere. Still, I think an independent bookstore is essential to any thriving neighborhood. A good bookstore serves more than just books. It serves as a cultural and intellectual center, a meeting place for the curious and a convergence point for the area's many identities. It can host talks and readings, and serve up local fare. Were there ever plans to open one, I'd love in some way to be a part.
That said, what do you think it would take to open and keep open a bookstore in Jackson Heights? Rent is of course the number one obstacle. But what if instead of a single owner, start-up money and resources were pooled together by a half-dozen or so people? Or better yet, as a non-profit neighborhood initiative? Not only would this reduce individual risk, but a wide and representative ownership could better tap into, among others, the many Latino cultures, the south-east Asian communities, and the LGBT community. A non-profit status could help keep costs down and attract foundation money. And with so few independent bookstores left in the city, I imagine a bookstore like this would attract visitors and shoppers near and far.
It would be great if the place could be run as a co-op, giving the community a sense of ownership over its well-being. An elected board, I assume, would be charged with ordering books, planning events, and managing the day-to-day operations. It's something of a radical idea, but maybe that's what it would take to bring a bookstore to Jackson Heights.
Of course I'm just thinking out loud. What are your thoughts?
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