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The One Book Pledge
It's working! 

In our last Readers Newsletter, we told customers that if they wanted to do only one thing to help support Bookshop Santa Cruz, it would be to take the One Book Pledge. The pledge is a commitment to buy, in any given month, one fewer book at Amazon and one more book at Bookshop Santa Cruz (or at www.bookshopsantacruz.com). Since then, we've had dozens of customers tell us that they were buying a book because of the pledge - because they wanted to ensure that Bookshop Santa Cruz could survive and thrive and because they wanted to help boost the local economy by keeping their dollars local.

A recent study found that even customers who define themselves as loyal independent bookstore customers only buy four out of every ten books from an independent bookstore. Imagine what would happen if everyone dedicated themselves to buying that fifth book from an independent as well. For a store like ours, it means more local jobs, more author events, the ability to carry more unique, small press titles and more money flowing to local schools, libraries and public safety through the collection of local sales tax and store donations.

Since amazon.com is the biggest threat to independent bookstores like ours, taking the pledge is the best way for customers to ensure the long-term viability of Bookshop Santa Cruz. Take the pledge...it is doable, it is meaningful, and it is a commitment to help sustain and grow the local economy.

In the meantime, join the conversation on facebook by joining the One Book Pledge Group, pick up a button saying "I Took the One Book Pledge" at Bookshop and let us know how we can serve you better as you give your gift of patronage to us.

Thank you for taking the One Book Pledge. Stay tuned as we roll this out to customers across the nation who want to support their local independent bookstore. I like to think of it as a mini-revolution - one that was started amongst friends in Santa Cruz.

Casey Coonerty Protti
Owner
Bookshop Santa Cruz
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#1Submitted by tracygreen on Mon, 08/30/2010 - 6:51pm.

Support the bookstore

This is a great idea. The small bookstores cannot be replaced by the big chains and need our support.

Tracy
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#2Submitted by ellyka18 on Sun, 08/29/2010 - 5:38pm.

Awesome blog. I enjoyed

Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!

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#3Submitted by tinawalk on Tue, 08/24/2010 - 1:28pm.

Support local shops

this is an important cause. local communities are supported by small stores such as this and depend on the tax revenue. support you local book store or any other store for that matter. plus santa cruz is a nice place ;-) Tina

#4Submitted by cindygirl on Sun, 08/15/2010 - 11:28am.

Great store

This is a great store to visit if you're ever in the Santa Cruz area. Spend some time browsing the books then you can always head on out to the boardwalk which is right down the road or capitola. Cindy

#5Submitted by Belinda259 on Sat, 08/14/2010 - 6:52pm.

Wonderful

The one book pledge is a great program and a great cause. I wish more bookstores would participate in events like this one.
Thanks Belinda Legler
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#7Submitted by Vernice on Sat, 08/14/2010 - 2:11pm.

Great

This is a great pledge and a great cause. Literacy and reading are so very important.

Thanks Vernice Bissett
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#8Submitted by inter4522 on Wed, 07/28/2010 - 11:38am.

I think a lot of people will

I think a lot of people will be supporting you over amazon. I will definitely be one of them. I always support the local businesses in my community.

#9Submitted by kagorges on Sun, 01/03/2010 - 7:29pm.

One book pledge

I suggest creating a button for people to put on their websites to show they've taken the pledge -- all you need is some html linking back to the image on your website -- that will show the image on their website and link to bookshop santa cruz -- only for people who have taken the pledge -- I'd develop a click on that right here on the website so that right after they click they get the html -- plus the clicking is recorded as part of their account. That will go viral ;))

You also would GREATLY benefit from having a community here -- that's what Bookshop has been all about for Santa Cruz County and you can create that online -- we could have conversations/likes/recommendations about books -- all in support of the real difference an independent bookstore delivers.

Thanks for being here ;)

Kathryn Gorges, Social Marketing Diva
http://www.theSocialMarketingDiva.com
Bringing social media to local Santa Cruz businesses