To our members and friends, 

I cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of support, the heartfelt messages, and the advocacy performed on behalf of our stores through this fundraising campaign. In just four days, we have raised over $85,000 from over 1,000 supporters. Many of the comments shared on the page illustrate how--and just how much--the stores resonate with so many of you:

“Bookstores, especially the Seminary Coop, represent our best hope for an enlightened tomorrow.” - Dorothy 

“57th Street Books sheltered our young family through many cold winter days, reading & playing in the children's area...[it] remains a place of intellectual and emotional comfort.” - Lisa

“The best bookstore in America! A treasure to be protected for generations to come.” - Harold

“The 57th Street Bookstore helped to make me the person I am today.” - Jennifer

“A bookstore is a physical location for spiritual and literary aspirations and a repository of ideas.” - Travis

Our history is a shared one, and I am further convinced that the future of both stores will be made together. In that vein, I am asking for your further support. Please continue to:

- Share our fundraiser with your friends, family, colleagues, and greater community 
- Share your enthusiasm on social media by following and linking to our pages 
- Purchase books at semcoop.com and encourage others to do the same

Usually packed with literary festivals and coursebook activity, spring will be markedly quieter this year. We expect, conservatively, to lose approximately $1,000,000 in revenue between March and June. Alongside a wave of web order purchases, our reduction in expenses, and the utilization of government relief funds, your support will help us ensure the Co-op persists through and beyond these uncertain times.

Your messages of encouragement and your outflowing of support are essential in establishing a path forward. Indeed, that engagement (financial, social, and conceptual) is critical as we look ahead. I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do on behalf of this community of readers. 

With humility and gratitude,

Jeff Deutsch
Director, Seminary Co-op Bookstore and 57th Street Books