The tragedy that’s befallen Minneapolis this week is awful. It’s hard to watch, even from over here in the UK. I can’t even imagine what it’s like living through it.
I haven’t said much on social media because I didn’t see how I could add anything to the debate. But it’s since emerged that two beloved independent SFF bookstores have been attacked – and one is entirely destroyed. So I thought I’d use my blog to give them a boost, even if it’s a small one. Please consider sharing their plight far and wide so Minneapolis doesn’t lose them.
Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore
Uncle Hugo’s was one of the oldest independent SFF bookstores in the US, established in 1974. It was a casualty of the riots, burned to the ground in the early hours of Saturday morning. They’ve lost everything – their books, their building, all of it. You can find their Facebook page here, where they’re in the process of organising a crowdfunding campaign. Please consider backing it when it’s up, or spreading the word if you can’t. There’s also their website where they have a newsletter.
DreamHaven Books and Comics
Another great SFF bookstore in Minnesota that was attacked on Friday night/Saturday morning. They were also broken into, glass all over the floor. Looters attempted to set fire to it but failed, but the store is still in a right state. They’re asking any who can to come and help with the clean up. Facebook here, website here, and Twitter here.
Dewi Hargreaves 