Booksellers on Southeastern U.S. Coast Post Updates Following Hurricane Dorian

Bookstores in southeastern coastal areas of the U.S. that were impacted by Hurricane Dorian last week are continuing to post social media updates about their recovery from the storm.

Dorian’s impact was most destructive in the Bahamas, which was hit at a Category 5 level on September 1; the storm then lingered over the island country for days. When it moved on, much of the island was in ruins and hundreds of people were missing. There are currently 50 confirmed deaths from the storm, and that number is expected to increase.

The hurricane then downshifted to a Category 2 on Tuesday, September 3, and swept up the coast from Florida to North Carolina and South Carolina. Dorian pounded those states with buckets of rain — with some areas getting anywhere from 16 to 24 inches — and high winds that knocked out power to thousands of residents, before finally making its way back out to sea.

Here, Bookselling This Week has put together a collection of several social media posts by recovering bookstores.

Following a Facebook update that detailed damage done at Books to be Red in Ocracoke, North Carolina, the store posted to Instagram: “As I sit here for a few minutes before beginning another day of cleaning I am reflecting on the good of the last few days. Hurricane Dorian kicked our ass at Books to be Red and so many people of the island. I don't know official totals but so many homes with water, many that will be a total loss. (My home is fine) Almost every business had dirty, septic filled salt water passing through. It is almost too much to bear. I said 'almost' to much to bear, we are getting through it. The days a bit easier, the new reality setting in. I have received so many messages from family, friends, and unexpectedly my customers. Those messages are what is making all this hell worthwhile to clean up. Thank you and keep us in your thoughts.”

Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books in Morehead City, North Carolina, shared on Saturday, September 7, that it was ready to open. The store posted to Instagram: “Opening at noon today!! Thank you for your support!!!”

In celebration of National Read a Book Day on September 6, Story and Song Bookstore Bistro in Fernandina Beach, Florida, posted on Facebook: “Did you deplete your stack of books during Hurricane Dorian? Today's the day to restock! https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-read-a-book-day-september-6"

Buxton Village Books in Buxton, North Carolina, posted to Facebook: “OPEN TOMORROW! The village of Buxton (at least as far as the Secondary School) and Buxton Village Books will be OPEN WEDNESDAY! The road opens at noon. We're here now finishing tidying and very ready to see folks coming in the door. Please be mindful that the villages south of us sustained considerable damages. Be patient, as recovery for many continues.”

Downtown Books in Manteo, North Carolina, posted to Instagram: “Piper would like to remind everyone its a brand new day! The storm is gone. Come see her at the bookstore today.”