Beyond Our Wildest Dreams

Kristi Belcamino and I organized last Saturday's Authors for Minnesota Day with two goals: celebrate Minnesota's incredible independent bookstores and raise funds to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.

The response blew us away.

Twenty-six bookstores across the state saw record turnout, with readers hopping between locations, discovering new favorites, and meeting nearly 60 generous authors who donated their time and books to support the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. We’re still awaiting the final numbers, but the twenty stores that have so far reported in raised a total of $46,596 (in only four hours!!).

I was in tears several times throughout the day seeing how many people in our community showed up to support small businesses and immigrant rights. You spend any time on social media, and you start to forget that most people are kind-hearted and justice-oriented. Thank you to all the bookstores and authors who participated, and to everyone who took part—we got to see the best of Minnesota.

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