Bookseller Stories From Binc: Taking Care of Mom

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Binc logoAs requests for financial assistance from the Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation grow, booksellers are sharing their stories of how the organization has made a difference in their lives. In 2017, the number of requests to Binc due to natural disasters was more than 2015 and 2016 totals combined.

Binc provides financial assistance to booksellers in the United States who are experiencing a personal financial emergency. Since its inception in 1996, Binc has provided more than $6.5 million in financial assistance and scholarships to more than 7,300 families. Support for the foundation’s programs and services comes from all sectors of the book industry.

Here, Binc shares the story of one bookseller who has received life-changing assistance from the organization.


Taking Care of Mom

When a bookseller’s mother was diagnosed with rare form of cancer, they were thrust into a new role as a caregiver. On top of full-time work at the bookstore, this bookseller spent the better part of a year making a 90-mile drive almost daily to help their parent.

The bookseller’s mother needed assistance with doctor appointments, medical treatments, housework, and other everyday tasks. Without the means to hire someone and with no other family nearby, the role as the sole caregiver was taken up by this bookseller. As their mother’s health became more fragile, more and more help was needed, eventually making the daily commuting unsustainable. The bookseller was forced to relocate closer to their ailing parent and give up the bookstore job they loved.

The bookseller now faced a mountain of tasks and expenses: packing up all of their belongings, finding a new apartment, moving and setting up utilities, and securing part-time work — all while continuing to care for their parent. Luckily for this bookseller, their store owner knew about the Binc Foundation and encouraged them to apply for assistance.

Binc was able to pay for moving expenses to help them settle into their new life. This bookseller will never regret the time they are spending caring for their loving parent, and due to the generous donors to the Foundation, Binc was able to play a part.

“Magic happens when you give yourself over to the universe. I’ve felt like I’m falling and no one will let me — it’s amazing, all these catchers. I’m lucky!” the bookseller wrote.

And remember that part-time job they needed? You guessed it — it’s in another bookstore!


Booksellers who are experiencing the Loss of Household Income due to Eldercare or other unexpected events should contact Binc at (866) 733-9064 or [email protected]. Watch upcoming issues of BTW for more bookseller stories from Binc.