Article published as part of a partnership with Publishers Weekly, original article available at this address.
Many bookstores and publishing houses located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area have had to close or evacuate since January 8 due to uncontrolled fires, power outages and high winds that have devastated the region.
Julia CowlishawPDG de Vroman’s in Pasadena and Book Soup in West Hollywood, said: “The situation is very serious for everyone at Book Soup and Vroman’s. Most have evacuated or confined themselves. Unfortunately, some have lost their homes or businesses, and the fires are not under control.” She added: “We are moving forward day by day, putting the safety and well-being of everyone as top priority. »
Hannah Walcherexecutive director of the California Independent Booksellers Alliance (Caliba), told Publishers Weekly : “Some members of our advisory board in the Los Angeles area don’t have electricity. » She said the evacuations due to the fire had affected Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena. Nikki Highowner of the bookstore, declared on social networks that his establishment was safe, while publishing impressive images and evoking Octavia Butler, the tutelary figure of the bookstore. As of January 10, the store had implemented a “ community support point » on site, with food, water and supplies for community members.
Red Hen Pressalso in Pasadena, closed due to the threat of fire and severe weather. “Thankfully, all Red Hen staff are safe and sound”said Monica Hernandezcommunications director of the publishing house. “Our offices are on the edge of the evacuation zone, so we are monitoring that closely. We hope to be far enough southwest of the Eaton fire to avoid any damage. But we know that many members of the community have been tragically affected. »
Katrina Lenodirector of Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica, said the bookstore owned by Zibby Owens “is still in an evacuation alert zone and remains closed at this time. The fires are close to Santa Monica and the street where the bookstore is located, but they have not yet reached it. »
-Out of the danger zone
Meanwhile, booksellers in Southern California, located outside of the most dangerous areas, were looking for ways to help and expressing gratitude to first responders. Linda Sherman-Nurickowner of Cellar Door Bookstore in Riverside, 50 miles east of Los Angeles, said: “We’re doing well here, but I’m worried about our fellow Los Angeles booksellers.”
In northeast Los Angeles, the offices ofUnnamed Press et de Rare Bird were closed, as were many local businesses, because of evacuation warnings and heavy smoke. Chris Heisereditor at Unnamedindicated that the bookstore North Figueroaco-managed by Unnamed and Rare Bird, was also closed.
Richard Turnerwho bought Diesel, A Bookstore in Brentwood in July 2024, maintains regular store hours. Most of the ten employees evacuated or kept their distance for their safety. “Some customers, having lost their homes, come to buy food, books and games for their children, and they are grateful that we are open”he explained.
Feel the impact
The former owners of Diesel, John Evans et Alison Reidwho now live in Leucadia in San Diego County, were closely affected by the fires. Their second home, located in a mobile home park in Pacific Palisades, was destroyed. “We lost our house there”confided Evans. “This fire is brutal. Maps and videos show our house is gone. »
Hannah Walcher of the Caliba added that no bookstores had yet been destroyed, but that many employees were displaced or on alert. She recalled that the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) is there to help professionals in the sector in difficulty. Kathy Bartsondirector of development at Binc, said the organization was ready to provide immediate assistance. In particular, Binc can provide temporary housing, financial assistance for employees who have lost at least 50% of their weekly income due to a disaster, as well as psychological support. “ With the increase in natural disasters, our role is increasingly in demand,” she added.
