What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a popular way to fund projects from a large group of people, mainly via the Internet and social media. It helps individuals and organizations reach their financial goals by receiving and leveraging small contributions from many people.

All you need is a mission to do something good, a funding goal and time-frame, some cool perks to promise to your supporters and show gratitude, and a crowd of family, friends, and fans / followers / customers to promote your campaign to.

Why should I contribute?

A success-driven Shoppe where arts, books, entertainment (e.g.: author galleries, magician performances, puppeteers, etc.) and training (e.g.: art workshops, book development education, counseling, etc.), gifts and training exist in the County seat for Moore County will aid the community-at-large that is comprised of diverse demographics.

This includes a 70.5% of Moore County adults being considered overweight (BMI 25+), which is higher than the state average of 66.1%. Further, 34.0% of Moore County adults are considered obese (BMI 30+), also higher than the state average of 29.4%.

The dropout rate is on an upward spiral. Education; however, is comprised predominantly of high school and some college graduates at this time. Suicides are higher in Moore County than other counties but not significantly higher than the state average; however, the majority of suicides include individuals who range between 25 and 39 years of age, which Little Book Shoppe in Carthage may help alleviate as an additional venue for recreation as well as coaching, mentoring and training thereby alleviating an ideal of hopelessness that prevails in the consideration of suicide. There are more DUIs in Moore County than four peer counties. While drug arrests are on the decline, heroin use is on the increase.

The top 5 community wide issues affecting Moore County residents with the highest impact on quality of life include:

1. Low Income/Poverty,

2. Affordability of Health Services,

3. Lack of/or Inadequate Health Insurance,

4. Unemployment and

5. Lack of Recreational Facilities.

Little Book Shoppe in Carthage believes our Shoppe, through the Developmental Arts and Community Services platform and, subsequent building purchase, will deliver additional recreational resources with an educational bent through supplication of affordable art, books, coaching, entertainment, mentoring and training. Through the combined resources our building has to proffer and within our Shoppe, community members can be presented with avenues involved in rising above poverty, how to identify affordable healthcare, resourcing to learn to thwart unemploy-ment, and another layer of jobs that result in an ability to enjoy recrea-tion is our intended outcome.

Is this for a good cause?

Moore County is considered a Tier 3 County - meaning, we are fiscally above-average statewide; however, this is largely due to a very strong golf community in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Outlying towns though, are typically under-resourced and feature a dramatic variance from these higher-end communities that carry the weight of the Tier 3 systematic. And, we aren't complaining, we have a lot of guests from both Pinehurst and Southern Pines - we appreciate them. But, the fact remains, surrounding towns are often falling to decay, lacking in resources, and seemingly underserved. So there is a disparity in the Tier 3 identification for the County because it doesn't represent a fair share of the County's towns and citizenry. Building Moore County's Town seat is very beneficial to Central Carolina and the State of North Carolina. Just in representing the golf community who may travel beyond the outskirts of the golf towns . . . having an emergent County Seat raises the bar for everyone whether the County is Tier 1, 2 or 3.

Growth is happening in Moore County and in the Great State of North Carolina. We are one nearly "every" list of States to Move Too within the nation and people are coming here - with six new subdivisions - they are also coming to Carthage. We need to get behind growth and plan ahead rather than react afterward. Little Book Shoppe in Carthage wants to help!

People are a good cause. Little Book Shoppe in Carthage, is about people. So we are asking that you "help us help" our community!

Is this a scam?

It is sad in today’s marketplace, we must be concerned about scams as they are so prevalent. This is not a scam. Our website: www.carthagebookstore.com is genuine. We registered pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. Our business is registered with the State of North Carolina. The Town of Carthage Planning Commission processed our permits and licenses. The Fire Marshall reviewed our location in the past and a new inspection is occurring right away – with no issues or fire hazards in the past – we do not foresee any fire inspection / safety issues in the future.

Where is Carthage North Carolina?

The Town of Carthage is in Central North Carolina and it is surrounded by communities such as: Cameron, Pinehurst, Seven Lakes, Southern Pines, Taylortown, Vass, West End, Whispering Pines, etc. The unique element of the Town of Carthage is that it is the County seat; however, a few of the surrounding communities: Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Vass, etc. tend to reflect the greater shares of County revenue due to their golf courses and activities included therein. Residents of the Town of Carthage often feel left out even while serving as the County’s seat. And, this is reflected in the environment; however, a resurgence of progress has begun to be implemented in recent years.

Why should I assist an enterprise in Carthage North Carolina?

We are spiritual beings having a human experience and as such, we are all united in our effort to improve life and community everywhere. Your assistance will result in change that is as essential in Carthage as it is in any nation and country in the world. You should assist because you desire to and because it will help us help others.

Can patrons bring pit bulls to Little Book Shoppe in Carthage?

Patrons with leash pets will use the dog leash hooks outside at the patio near our coin-operated lockers and tables. All dogs need to conform to the community standard for dogs and no variety is listed in Carthage as unacceptable; however, prior to using the dog leash hooks our customers fill-out a pooch packet and ensure their dog has required shots and treatments and past a quick check-list regarding friendliness and capability to be around people and/or other pooches without issue.

What is Developmental Arts & Community Services, L.L.P.?

Developmental Arts & Community Services, L.L.P. (DEV-SVC) is a partnership that works to instill arts and services to the community-at-large in order to build while serving the needs of citizens on the path of art, intellect, literature, sciences and other developmentally appropriate pursuits. And, Little Book Shoppe in Carthage is our first initiative as a "new" (i.e.: 2018) partnership. A secondary undertaking is our intended advocacy programs. We are looking at a 501(c)3 or 4 application "now" and we are seeking board members.

Aren't bookstores a thing of the past?

Bookstores are not a thing of the past and they are re-surging currently. And, AMAZON is even beginning to build brick n’ mortar bookstores. As the entity blamed for the digital "e"volution, certainly AMAZON wouldn’t be developing brick n’ mortar bookstores “if” they were a thing of the past . . . would they?

Besides, Little Book Shoppe in Carthage, is not “just” a bookstore. We view our business as an Art ~ Books ~ Entertainment ~ Gifts ~ Training Shoppe with unique and eclectic wares from local artisans and books comprised from local authors and best-selling features. And, the Little Book Shoppe also features coaching, mentoring and training to better enable citizens of Carthage, Moore and surrounding counties.

What are the demographics for the Town of Carthage?

Will your store feature WiFi?

Yes, WiFi will be a store feature.

Where are your books coming from?

Varied distributors including Baker & Taylor, Ingram, Desere't Books (pending), DonnaInk Publications, L.L.C., which is a Carthage-based publisher and local authors. We have a burgeoning list of local authors who intend to list their new titles here.

Who is providing the store's gift wares?

Artisans from Moore County, Central North Carolina and North Carolina as well as from Tennessee, West Virginia, New York, Virginia, Florida, California and internationally from Ukraine, Russia, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.

Do you feature eBook and digital services too?

Yes, for WiFi guests we’ll assist in their purchases and uploads as well.

Do you have a Business Plan?

We have a business plan.

How many employees do you have planned initially?

We are looking at 1 to 5 employees after our third quarter and then we'll expand as required and able to do so. If we purchase the building through our fundraiser and additional resourcing we plan on bringing additional employees on-board - eventually toward a 50 person staff initiative.

What challenges do you foresee?

Capital for advertising. Getting best-sellers to the store on time and under-budget. Fund-raising and resourcing the building purchase.