We have some important updates to share.
The bottom line is that The Book Thing we all love is going through a challenging transition. In order to restructure, refocus, and reconnect with our incredible community members (like you), we will be going into a “hibernation period” effective January 1, 2020. We will need your support during this period to ensure we can continue to offer free books in the future to readers of all ages. Unfortunately, this hibernation means we will need to temporarily close to the public for now, in an effort to ensure our future sustainability. This includes weekend browsing, and the donation window.
The last day for public browsing is Sunday 12/29/19. After that, we won’t be open for regular weekend browsing hours until further notice.
The last day for book donations is Sunday 12/29/19. After that, we won’t be accepting book donations until further notice.
In the next few weeks, we plan to announce WHEN we WILL be open for public browsing and/or book donations.
We are working to schedule volunteer hours during this period, so please stay tuned. We will still desperately need volunteers to help us with the usual tasks of moving, sorting, stamping, and shelving books.
Please stay tuned. We will continue to update our website and social media. We will be providing updates on a regular basis to keep all of you informed of our progress.
We do NOT intend to change the fundamental nature of The Book Thing: lots of free books!
The biggest factor driving this decision is that we’ve become aware we lost our nonprofit status. We are currently working with an accountant to file back paperwork, achieve retroactive nonprofit reinstatement, and implement procedures to prevent anything like this from happening in the future. We’ll get a full statement up on our website soon with more details.
There are ways you can help us during this time. Now more than ever, we need you to support us and believe in us. Donate! Volunteer! Helps us find ways to connect with the local community and Baltimore organizations.
We feel confident in our community and the support you provide as we enter this transition period. Your help will be essential to ensure we can provide Baltimore with free books for years to come.
Please direct all inquiries about this update to the Board of Directors via the Contact form on our website: bookthing.org/contact
Please Note: Due to the revocation of our nonprofit status, donations made after 5/15/19 may not be tax-deductible. Please consult a tax professional.
