City Lights Books: A Beacon of Literary Culture in San Francisco
One of the world’s most famous bookstores launched a crowdfunding campaign to prevent its doors from closing during the coronavirus outbreak.
City Lights Books in San Francisco, founded by the acclaimed poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, is an iconic establishment associated with the Beat poets. This bookstore has served as a haven for free spirits and book lovers since its inception, featuring a hand-lettered sign by Ferlinghetti that reads ‘A Kind of Library Where Books Are Sold.’
However, as businesses around the globe have temporarily shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, City Lights Books has also faced significant financial strain. Elaine Katzenberger, the publisher and CEO of City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, initiated an online fundraiser to keep the beloved shop afloat. Katzenberger expressed her concern for the bookstore’s future, stating that, “Unlike some shops, we’re unable even to process online orders, as we want our booksellers to remain safely at home. With no way to generate income, our cash reserves are quickly dwindling, as bills come due and we have a primary commitment to our staff, who we sent home with full pay and healthcare, hoping to ensure their health and financial security.”
Set with a fundraising goal of $300,000, the campaign has remarkably exceeded expectations. The shop has successfully raised over $470,000 from nearly 10,000 donors. Following the tremendous success of the campaign, Katzenberger provided an update, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support and shared their hopes to reopen as soon as possible. Furthermore, she mentioned speaking with Ferlinghetti, who is now 101, and he was thrilled with the response from the community.
This news will undoubtedly resonate with anyone captivated by San Francisco’s iconic Summer of Love and literary legacy. Visitors can eagerly await the opportunity to explore this rich cultural heritage once restrictions are lifted and travel experiences resume.
