10 days left in the #40Kin40days campaign!

On September 14 I launched a campaign to raise $40,000 in 40 days to turn La Casa Azul, an online retailer of fine books, into East Harlem’s first brick-and-mortar bookstore.  Every dollar donated to the ‘40K in 40 Days’ campaign will have twice the impact because until October 23, 2011 a generous benefactor will match, dollar for dollar, every contribution received – up to a total of $40,000!

This important campaign has gotten media attention from NBC News, Daily News, El Diario, Huffington Post, and blogs nationwide – more than 180 people have contributed and we are well on our way to reaching the goal.

In the new space, La Casa Azul Bookstore will offer much more than your average retail store. We will offer book clubs, author signings, story time for children, and a community meeting space. La Casa Azul Bookstore will sell new and used books, coffee, pastries, art, clothing, and locally-made cards and gifts. We will cross-promote with local businesses to highlight the importance of sustainability and buying locally. Additionally, we will continue work with area schools and nonprofits to promote literacy in the East Harlem community.

Please help spread the word by sharing news of ‘40K in 40 Days’ campaign with your circle of friends, colleagues, and fellow bibliophiles via the social networking sites you use.

Your support will go a long way!

You can find more information and donate at http://www.indiegogo.com/LaCasaAzulBookstoreNYC

Website: www.lacasaazulbookstore.com 

Blog: www.luchalibrosNYC.blogspot.com 

Twitter: @lacasaazulbooks

Email: lucha.libros@gmail.com 

With gratitude,

Aurora Anaya-Cerda

La Casa Azul bookstore

What are contributor’s saying about La Casa Azul Bookstore and the #40Kin40days campaign?

“Rebuild community. Bring back the essentials that make it whole. I do not mean having a Duane Reade but stores that have purpose and is in touch with the pulse of the neighborhood. This campaign marks the beginning of change that no developer’s direct marketing studies can truly comprehend. ¡VIVA Cultura!”

“If anyone can bring their dream to life, Aurora can. Half-dynamo, half fierce, brilliant Chicana, I look forward to walking into La Casa Azul Bookstore. If you are on the fence about contributing — trust that there is no better stewart for your money. Give with confidence! Aurora and her business will make us all proud.”

 “Books that tell our stories make us read and we want to read more to know. Books that motivate us to want to know more lead us to thinking about a story we can create to tell others. IT ‘S KNOWLEDGE PASSED ON, IT’S HISTORY. The books at LA CASA AZUL BOOKSTORE will give us all a desire to read and learn and know more. Thank you Aurora"