Judging by the Cover--A Bookstore in Fresno, Calif., has launched a $20,000 Indiegogo campaign to expand its footprint. Co-founded by Ashley and Carlos Mireles-Guerrero, the bookstore opened last fall in a 500-square-foot location inside the Chinatown Pop-Up Place, a project of the city's Chinatown Foundation designed to help small businesses establish physical storefronts.
Now, Judging by the Cover has the opportunity to expand into a neighboring 1,000-square-foot space and is reaching out to the community for support to make this dream a reality.
"Every book we stock and every event we host is designed to reflect the diverse stories and experiences of our community," said Ashley Mireles-Guerrero. "With this expansion, we'll be able to showcase even more voices and create a stronger connection with the people we serve."
The money raised from the crowdfunder will be used to renovate the new space with fresh paint, flooring, and fixtures; triple their inventory, offering a 200% increase in diverse books; provide more opportunities for local consignment vendors; and host community events, including children's storytime, book clubs, and author readings.
"Fresno needs more independent bookstores, especially those that reflect the vibrant, multicultural voices of our community," Carlos Mireles-Guerrero noted. "This is about more than books; it's about creating a space that is truly for Fresno."