By Michael J. Feeney / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Craig Warga | NY Daily News - Local publisher Eric Larsen fills out some forms after donating some books at pop-up book store Word Up at 4157 Broadway in Washington Heights.
It was only intended to last a month, but a popular Washington Heights bookstore has now been around for a year and organizers are looking to raise $10,000 in 10 days with hopes of making it a permanent fixture in the book-starved neighborhood.
“People seem to like this place,” said Veronica Liu, one of the lead volunteers of Word Up bookstore on Broadway near W. 175th St.
Over a 10-day period, which started Thursday and runs through June 16, the completely volunteer-run bookstore will offer events ranging from book readings to film screenings in an effort to keep the shop afloat. Each event has a cover fee.
The reason for the 10 days of activities is simple.
“Our rent went up on June 1,” said Liu, who didn’t want to disclose the amount but said it’s “enough of an increase that we can feel it.”
Word Up started out as a “pop-up” bookstore that was only slated to occupy a vacant space from June through mid-July of last year.
But in that short period, the bookstore became quite an attraction; the neighborhood didn’t have another home for literary lovers, and organizers found it hard to shut down.
In addition to selling books — including many from local authors — the bookshop has become a popular hangout and venue for arts events.
Check out: Junot Diaz Wishes Word Up Books A Happy Birthday!
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