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Cafe con Libros: A Feminist Bookstore

Feminist Spaces = Affirmation. Recognition. Communion. Healing. Joy.
Help keep our doors open, content relevant, and programming thriving.

$7,370
pledged of$25,000 goal
142
0Days Left

Project Description

Who We Are...

Coffee. Tea. Books. Art. Community.

Cafe con Libros is a Feminist community bookstore catering to folx who are book lovers, coffee aficionados, or both.  We aim to provide space for anyone specifically, womyn and girls, seeking a community of readers and thinkers and, to spread the love of reading as a source of healing and joy.

Photo by Destiny Mata

What We Do...

On the surface, we sell coffee, tea, pastries, and books.  However, at our core, for almost a year, Cafe con Libros has worked hard to build, nurture, and sustain a community committed to visibility, accountability, authenticity, and feminist principle and action. 

Photo by Amanda Alcanatara.

99% of our books are written about and by womyn with more than 80% written by womyn of color from all over the world.  We take care to feature books that tell lesser known stories from authors outside of the united states.  Through our book club choices and monthly discussion, we push to complicate the narrative on gender, body image, and love among many other charged aspects of womyns lives.

Since its inception, we have opened our space to local artist to display their work - some for the first time. We have offered our space to host programming that is altruistic in spirit and progressive in ideology for little or no cost (over two dozen); we believe a price tag should not prevent the work of liberation and healing from being done.  

Why We Exist...

To heal. To expose. To support. To connect. To inspire. To motivate.

To affirm.

Photo by Linda Rosier

Why We are Raising Money...

To grow, simply put. For the past year, with the help of community members, weekend staff, family and friends, we have been able to maintain the basic vision of Cafe con Libros.  For 2019, we wish to move beyond maintenance toward an ethic of sustainable growth. 

 

We want to grow our base, extend our reach within the community,

further expand and diversify the book selection, fund a paid internship,

and ramp up programming to be consistent with our values

and original vision of Cafe con Libros. 

 

We hoped to host book fairs for young people during the summer months to promote reading, donate books to women's prisons, host womyn centered programming on various topics, recruit and host a new local artist per month and maintain a regular supply of relevant and timely books for all ages.  We haven't been able to do much of this in earnest given the cost to keep the doors open.

Featured Bronx Cultural Artist, Elizabeth Rossi

Being located on a side street away from all major transportation hubs has significantly stifled the growth of Cafe con Libros.  Sales lag during the weekday forcing us to make critical decisions about where to invest resources.  Instead of investing in newer technology, outreach, marketing, and inventory, we are working to remain solvent.

Why Should YOU Donate...

Book stores have the capacity to be a cultural hub for communities.  We have the potential to be a space where folks of divergent and/or similar political leanings gather to connect, dialogue and forge new connections.  Local bookstores often are holders of history; chronicling changes in the neighborhood and society through books, events, and photos.

Cafe con Libros, a Feminist bookstore serves as all of the above while holding up a mirror for womyn and girls of all races, ages, class, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or otherwise to see themselves reflected in stories, art, and other community members.  Womyn and girls stand squarely at the center of our dialogue and every decision we make. Womyn and girls identified spaces are rare yet, necessary to cultivate self-love, sisterhood, and political thought, ambition, and action. 

Reading Renegade Series hosted by Caitlin Harper

Help us stay open. Help us stay relevant. Help us to continue serving.

Help us to grow.

*campaign cover photo by Chris Setter

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Why Cafe Con Libros?

  • I opened Café con Libros for many different reason.  I believe it was Toni Morrison who said that "we must write the stories we wish to read"  or words to that affect.  I feel the same about creating spaces we wish to see.  Cafe con Libros fills a void in me – a space explicitly dedicated to the stories of women and girls of all identities and, where lovers of said stories can come together to build community.

  • As an introvert, I wanted a space where folks interested in the mounting contemporary social issues of our times at the intersection of pop culture and on the ground feminism can all come together to dialogue, discuss, debate or just be without feeling shame or isolated.

  • I also wanted a space where my home girls can hang out – no pressure to be anything other than their authentic selves.

  • What does it mean to be a "Feminist community bookstore"?

  • A Feminist bookstore means the space and its contents is explicitly Feminist in thought and action.  We work hard to make all decisions from a Feminist political framework with a clear understanding that we are always in the process of becoming. 

  • We are centering the narratives of all women and girls.  And, we are welcoming of those folks who have never experienced what it means to privilege said narratives into our space.  We want to cultivate an ethic of curiosity and nurture the courage to engage. 

  • Why is a space like this important?

  • This space is only important to those it resonates with.  I suppose it’s important for representation. Black women are readers, intellectual, political, and homies all at once.  Oftentimes, we're type casted as one or the other or none at all, to be frank. It's important for womyn and girls of color see one another.   We hope to cultivate a space where multi-racial groups have an opportunity to share thoughts and opinions about books – find more similarities than difference.

  • Finally, young folks need to see that 51% of the world population has actually made significant contributions to society.  The same society that they now live in.

  • Why are books important? 

    • Books paint the future – helps us to imagine more boldly

    • We learn from our ancestors and contemporaries

    • Breaks isolation and offers perspective; we don’t ever have to believe we’re alone

    • They have the ability to transport and expand us

  • When folx walk through the doors, we want them to feel...

    • Part of the community

    • Welcomed

    • Represented

    • Inspired

    • Affirmed

Final thoughts...

We are new parents to a six month old.  I work a full-time job and my partner works two jobs; including the cafe, to keep both the business and our family afloat.  Bandwidth is a real issue and a political one for womyn specifically, womyn of color. We have an incredible community however; we need help growing this business. My vision is only possible with a paid community organizing intern which we hope to host in 2019 and beyond. 

Your support is so appreciated.

02/15/2019
You don't EVER have to choose!
$75
Janet LeMoal
02/15/2019
Free cup of drip coffee and one pastry.
$25
Nk Dionisio
02/15/2019
Free cup of drip coffee and one pastry.
$25
Kristin Wunder
02/15/2019
Classic Cafe con Libros Tote Bag or Mug
$35
02/15/2019
You don't EVER have to choose!
$75
02/15/2019
Classic Cafe con Libros Tote Bag or Mug
$35
02/15/2019
Classic Cafe con Libros Tote Bag or Mug
$35
02/15/2019
Classic Cafe con Libros Tote Bag or Mug
$35
Madeleine
02/15/2019
Monetary Contribution
$50
02/15/2019
Spotify Playlist
$10
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care. 

We have over 5k IG followers, if each person donated $5, we would be over 100% funded.  So, if $5 is what you can afford, we appreciate it.  There's room for everyone's budget :)

27 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Spotify Playlist

Cafe con Libros community Feminist Favs!

20 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Free cup of drip coffee and one pastry.

Any size drip coffee and a delish pastry.  Coffee provided by Irving Farm and pastries by Amy's/Balthazar.

24 Left
26 Supporters
Select this reward
35.00 USD
Classic Cafe con Libros Tote Bag or Mug

Classic Cafe con Libros Tote Bag.  100% cotton. 15"x15".

Mug. Ceramic with a unique shape.

30 Left
20 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Have it Your Way!

Receive a Classic Cafe con Libros Coffee Mug or Tote with the month's fresh roasted bag of coffee.

 

*Photo by Ryan Cameron

3 Left
22 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
You don't EVER have to choose!

A sweet combo. Receive a tote, coffee mug, and 12oz bag of freshly roasted coffee!  Perfect for a gift!

14 Left
11 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Baby Feminist Starter Kit...

3 of Cafe con Libros top selling baby Feminist books for ages 0-3 years.

 

*Photo by Jonathan Snyder

18 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
Building your career around your life!

My life's motto...

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you've imagined." - Thoreau.

Exzesha McCrea said this to me when I was 18 years old.  Since then, I have relentlessly pursued my dreams and designed my career around it!  In this coaching session, I will share about my journey, vision for the road ahead, and answer any questions you may have about living on your own terms!

(45 mins)

16 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
175.00 USD
Space Rental

Host your womyn & girls centered event in our space!  We'd love to have you and to elevate your work!

3 hour limit.

 

*Photo by Chris Setter

25 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
225.00 USD
My favs & be my guest...

kqd's favorite books (five) and a feature on Cafe con Libros podcast!  If you're a creative, we can use this time to elevate your work!

13 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
350.00 USD
2018 Book Club Picks + IG Spread

We had some good ones last year...Redefining Realness, Kindred, Educated, Americanah...

All yours and let's talk about your favorite on the podcast!  

I'm all about promoting your work so, allow me to use my platform to elevate your work!

*Photo by Ryan Cameron

13 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
A Feminist Book + Delish Coffee per mth.

We'll send you the book club pick of the month along with the flavor of the month!  Yum...

49 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care. 

We have over 5k IG followers, if each person donated $5, we would be over 100% funded.  So, if $5 is what you can afford, we appreciate it.  There's room for everyone's budget :)

27 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Spotify Playlist

Cafe con Libros community Feminist Favs!

20 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Free cup of drip coffee and one pastry.

Any size drip coffee and a delish pastry.  Coffee provided by Irving Farm and pastries by Amy's/Balthazar.

24 Left
26 Supporters
Select this reward
35.00 USD
Classic Cafe con Libros Tote Bag or Mug

Classic Cafe con Libros Tote Bag.  100% cotton. 15"x15".

Mug. Ceramic with a unique shape.

30 Left
20 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Have it Your Way!

Receive a Classic Cafe con Libros Coffee Mug or Tote with the month's fresh roasted bag of coffee.

 

*Photo by Ryan Cameron

3 Left
22 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
You don't EVER have to choose!

A sweet combo. Receive a tote, coffee mug, and 12oz bag of freshly roasted coffee!  Perfect for a gift!

14 Left
11 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Baby Feminist Starter Kit...

3 of Cafe con Libros top selling baby Feminist books for ages 0-3 years.

 

*Photo by Jonathan Snyder

18 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
Building your career around your life!

My life's motto...

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you've imagined." - Thoreau.

Exzesha McCrea said this to me when I was 18 years old.  Since then, I have relentlessly pursued my dreams and designed my career around it!  In this coaching session, I will share about my journey, vision for the road ahead, and answer any questions you may have about living on your own terms!

(45 mins)

16 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
175.00 USD
Space Rental

Host your womyn & girls centered event in our space!  We'd love to have you and to elevate your work!

3 hour limit.

 

*Photo by Chris Setter

25 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
225.00 USD
My favs & be my guest...

kqd's favorite books (five) and a feature on Cafe con Libros podcast!  If you're a creative, we can use this time to elevate your work!

13 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
350.00 USD
2018 Book Club Picks + IG Spread

We had some good ones last year...Redefining Realness, Kindred, Educated, Americanah...

All yours and let's talk about your favorite on the podcast!  

I'm all about promoting your work so, allow me to use my platform to elevate your work!

*Photo by Ryan Cameron

13 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
A Feminist Book + Delish Coffee per mth.

We'll send you the book club pick of the month along with the flavor of the month!  Yum...

49 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward