How to Save the Local Bookstore

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The Mission nearly lost Boderlands Books —the neighborhood's main source of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery books— earlier this year. But, after an outpouring of support at a community meeting, store owner Alan Beatts decided to offer a sponsorship program to help keep the doors open. The plan launched last Thursday, February 19th, and by Saturday, February 21st, the store landed its minimum of 300 sponsorships (at $100 each) required for another year of operation. Alan and his team are still working out the details of the sponsorship program, but benefits will likely include special sales, events, and the opportunity to rent the space after hours. It's a feel-good win for the bookstore that had the odds stacked against it. And if Borderlands can do it, hopefully others can, too.