A Kind of Hope

Dear Booksellers,

Just a quick note to say that I hope you are feeling the same kind of hope I am this week. 

It goes without saying that this legislative change will affect everything in our society, but since I have a one-track mind all I could think about the morning after was what this change means for books. Imagine it: a congress that believes citizens can and should read the books they want to read– books about all aspects of the human experience. A congress that believes small business is something to be supported and nurtured.

But above all, I'm thinking about books in my town, Washington DC. Over the past two years the fabric of our city has been torn apart: vital arts institutions closed, trees and gardens decimated, small businesses and schools invaded by ICE and surveilled by National Guard. Our local economy and workforce have been systematically destroyed. I've seen small businesses that I loved shutter and friends who had dedicated their lives to civil service be forced from their jobs. And DC bookstores have had to work tirelessly to meet the moment, to offer safe places, to shelter and serve the needs of our broken communities. 

The work is far from done. It's just getting started. But today I’m thinking about all the hard-working people from all walks of life who will be moving to our town in January. Hard-working people who will buy books off our staff pick shelves and break bread at our independent restaurants. Brand-new staffers who will meet up at neighborhood bars, attend author events, and stumble into the streets, chatting loudly, full of the belief that they can-- and will-- change the world. 

DC is back, baby. Now, maybe, we can even talk about getting some representation.

In gratitude and solidarity,

Liz