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This is a special thank you post on Facebook
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Please visit our GoFundMe page to find the original and updated letter to the community here.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
When does the transfer to the virtual space officially take place?
Nov 1, 2023
Will you have a new Phone Number?
No. Years ago we established a cloud number so you can still call our 708-223-8081 number and leave a message. We will give you a call back when available. Our new official business hours will be announced, but in the meantime we will check messages daily. You may also text us at: 708-943-7770 (text only).
What’s your new Mailing Address?
We will receive our mail/shipments and schedule events(on or after Nov. 1):
Afriware Books, Co
1033 South Boulevard
Oak Park, IL 60302
Here is a link to take a virtual tour of the new virtual/event location.
We will hold events at the Oak Park location, meet you at Trinity, UCC on the South side of Chicago for their book events, or other locations we are invited to.
Will your Email address change?
Email address stays the same: [email protected]
When will you hold your next event?
TBA
Parking / Accessibility
Metered Parking, Parking Lot located near the corner of South Boulevard and Marion Street, close to Oak Park CTA and Metra Station.
Why is the GoFundMe still up?
While we are grateful to get to the midpoint of our $30,000 goal there are ongoing expenses we will incur in paying for storage and event space rental. To be a truly viable brick and mortar institution, we will require long term contracts, a non-profit arm to manage fund raising activities, and continued community support. Until at least 50% of our business consists of school contracts, the virtual model is the best way to minimize our overhead costs while still maintaining a presence in the community due to the razor thin profit margin of the book industry.
What does Hybrid Mean?
Afriware Books, Co will be an events-driven business and schedule in-person events at the Oak Park address and around town. We will continue to schedule live-streamed events. We are accessible by phone, email, or social media accounts. We will continue to operate online 24-hours a day.
What else can we do if we already donated?
Firstly, thank you. Please feel empowered to ask teachers, educators, administrators, librarians, parents where they buy their books from? Ask them to consider Afriware Books, Co and we will take it from there. Our 30 year history, book industry expertise, established credit with large publishing houses and distribution centers already positions us to fulfill most if not all orders.
Do you need help with the move on Oct. 28?
Yes, please reach out by email to: [email protected]. Yes, we even could use some sturdy large empty boxes to pack up all the books.
What about your staff?
The great Susan Dew and Kayla Dillingham will continue to assist with the daily operations of processing orders, and updating our website amongst many other things. Owner, Nzingha Nommo will lean more on them now more than ever since she’s taken a teaching position at Wright College. When we are at Trinity, UCC we are thankful for volunteers: Pat Lofton, Charlotte Blackman, Pat Lofton, Sandy Jenkins, Donna Brumfield, and Danita Brown. Special shout out to our former staff/volunteers who have also reached out and provided in-kind donations - Kajaria Yarbrough, Julie Davis, Petrina McKinnor, Krystle Coleman, Frank Cannon, Wendell Dew, Iyiola Adebajo, Kadesha Thomas, Jasmine and James Stokes II, Robert Collins, Sophia Brodderick, Christine LaRue, Randy Evans, Kay Dinkins. Please charge it to my head and not my heart if I’ve left your name off. You also are appreciated.
Will you still have book signings?
Yes, Afriware Books, Co will schedule book signings at the Oak Park address, partner with libraries like Oak Park, Maywood, Broadview, Forest Park Blackstone or Carter G. Woodson as we have before. We will also continue to have author presentations online.
What about my order I placed online?
Afriware Books, Co will continue to process your orders. There may be a slight delay toward the end of the month, but as always, feel free to email us with any questions about the status of your order.
Can we pick up books from your new location?
Yes, on our scheduled event days in Oak Park or around town Afriware Books, Co will bring a selection of our stored inventory. When you order online, selecting the option to ship to your location will have the quickest turn around.
Can I pickup my order from your new location?
To begin, Afriware Books, Co asks you to have your books shipped directly to your location. When we have a chance to properly sort and organize our inventory for easy selection (within a month or two), we will work toward a pickup option. Over the pandemic we shifted to have our suppliers ship directly to you. This process is called “drop shipment” and is best suited for a hybrid model we’re moving to.
Can I order books over the phone?
Yes. Call our business line: 708-223-8081 and leave a message. We will call back during our new business hours TBA.
How often will you schedule events in the new Oak Park Location?
Afriware Books Co will start with scheduling events at least once per month starting in December/January.
I’m a local school/organization/fraternity/sorority and want to save on shipping costs by picking up at your location. Can we make arrangements?
Yes, for orders of 20 items or more (same title or mixed), we are able to make arrangements outside of our scheduled events to meet you at our Oak Park location, please inquire at [email protected]
I know that GoFundMe takes a large chunk of the amount donated. How else can we donate (non-tax deductible) online?
Feel free to use:
Store website: afriwarebooks.com
Shop our Audiobooks: https://libro.fm/afriwarebooks?bookstore=afriwarebooks
Show our Ebooks: https://www.ebooks.com/en-au/?affid=ABCO2646944&ref=email
Donation link: https://www.afriwarebooks.com/afriwareshipping.html
CashApp: $Afriwarebooks
Zelle: [email protected]
Paypal: [email protected]
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7735cc66
Make Checks out to: Afriware Books, Co.
Address: (before Nov. 1): Afriware Books, Co 1701 S. 1st Ave., Suite 400, Maywood, IL 60153
(On or after Nov. 1): Afriware Books, Co, 1033 S. Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302
Special Salute of thanks to our supporters (and many more who purchased in store/online over the years)
Aberash Z Woldetsadik, Adam Cannon, Alfreda Williams, Alice J Ramsay, Alicia Brown, Allison Riley, Almarie Wagner, Amanda Firestone, Ameir Tahir, ameir tahir, Amihan Huesmann, Amy Binns-Calvey, Amy Langman, Ana Garcia Doyle, Andrew Cooper, Andy Frye, Anneliese Hernandez,Annette Harden, Annie Topete, Anonymous D, Anonymous J, Bamani Obadele, Beth Brady, Beverly Singleton, Blossom Wright, Bonnie Thomas-Huntt, Brenda Henry, Brooke Borris-Chott, Carla Betts, Carmen Jackson McKinney, Cassandra Smith, Cecile Keith Brown, Charissa Portillo, Cheryl Bentley, Cheryl Rainey, Christina Venkatesh, Clarrissia Lindsay, Daniel Weathersby, Darnell Johnson, Darrell Waller, David Burns, David Pugh, Dawan Sadrud-Din, Deborah M Donovan, Deena Fischer, Dejuan Shadd, Dexter L Rogers, Diamantina Sanchez, Doreen Vaughn, Doris Brooks, Dorothy Lambshead Roche, Dr. Janet Rutledge, El Malik Bey, Elizabeth Abunaw, Elizabeth Nelson, Elizabeth Thurman, Ellen Sveinsson, Emily Knox, Everette Ingram, Frank Cannon, Franklin Stevenson, Gilda Hooks, Henderson Goins, Home Cox, Home xxxxxxxx, Hugh Crane, Irvin Brown, Irving Bunton Jr, James Mostowy, James Pfluecke, Jana Eichhorn, Janyce Simmons, Jean Weathers, Jenni Zellner, Jennifer Diehl, Jesse Ingram, Jesse Ingram, Joseph Bondi, Joseph Fulton, Joy Bunton, Joyce Bowen, Julie Davis, Kafilat Lawal, Katie Lindsey, Katrina DeVinner, Katrina Thompson, Keith Ahmad, Kenneth Carr, Kevin Harris, KEVIN TYSON, Kimberly Campbell, Kimberly Duncan, Kimberly Martin, Kimberly N Ruffin, Kirkland Jones, Kristin Graziano, Larry ALLEN, Larry Shapiro, Laura Botwinick, Lawrence Anzilotti, Lawrence Connor, Lester A Wright, Leviah Holt, Linda Valentine, Linda Vick, Lisa Azu-Popow, Lisa Lee, Lisa Smith, Lori Grieshaber, Lorie Westerfield, Loveya Allmon, Lucretia Tahir, M Stahl, Maceo Thomas, Mack Julion, Margo Thomas, Mark Chambers, Mary Beth Cobleigh-Beal, Mary Beth Lang, Maureen Ryan, Maureen Wierema, Meg Hatton, Meghan Carter, Michael Garner, Michael Jones, Michael Romain, Michael Tinsley, Michelle Melin-Rogovin, Miguel Jones, moAnonymous, Monica McAbee, Mrs. June Coleman, Paige Sanders, Pamela Niesluchowski, Peter Francis Cerrato, Phillip Burke, Phyllis Dixon, Princess Coleman, Quentin Stephens, Ragina L Bunton, Remona Sanders, Repair Restore And Grow Black Communities, Richard Estes, Rob Collins, Robert Jones, Romaine Roberts, Ruth (You Go Girl) Fulton, Safiya Karimah, Salem Collojulin, Sandra Parris, Sara Earhart, Shakira Abdul-Ali, Shannon Stokes, Sharon Lewis, Sharon Sims, sheila fortinberry, Sherry Kamke, Skye Lavin, Sonya Ott, Soyini Walton, stacy corbett, Stephanie Bird, Stephen Molnar, Steve Stampley, Susan Farnum, Susan Fitch, Tanya Ward, Ted Paris, Teme Ring, Thomas Bethany, Tiphanie Raffegeau, Tressie Hope, Troy Taylor, TyWanna Patrick, Valerie Morrow, Valoria Robinson, Vickie Dent, Vickie Durrah, Warren Northern, Yvette Moyo, Yvonne Shields, Yvonne Utomi, and Zemoonitah HaSati
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
When does the transfer to the virtual space officially take place?
Nov 1, 2023
Will you have a new Phone Number?
No. Years ago we established a cloud number so you can still call our 708-223-8081 number and leave a message. We will give you a call back when available. Our new official business hours will be announced, but in the meantime we will check messages daily. You may also text us at: 708-943-7770 (text only).
What’s your new Mailing Address?
We will receive our mail/shipments and schedule events(on or after Nov. 1):
Afriware Books, Co
1033 South Boulevard
Oak Park, IL 60302
Here is a link to take a virtual tour of the new virtual/event location.
We will hold events at the Oak Park location, meet you at Trinity, UCC on the South side of Chicago for their book events, or other locations we are invited to.
Will your Email address change?
Email address stays the same: [email protected]
When will you hold your next event?
TBA
Parking / Accessibility
Metered Parking, Parking Lot located near the corner of South Boulevard and Marion Street, close to Oak Park CTA and Metra Station.
Why is the GoFundMe still up?
While we are grateful to get to the midpoint of our $30,000 goal there are ongoing expenses we will incur in paying for storage and event space rental. To be a truly viable brick and mortar institution, we will require long term contracts, a non-profit arm to manage fund raising activities, and continued community support. Until at least 50% of our business consists of school contracts, the virtual model is the best way to minimize our overhead costs while still maintaining a presence in the community due to the razor thin profit margin of the book industry.
What does Hybrid Mean?
Afriware Books, Co will be an events-driven business and schedule in-person events at the Oak Park address and around town. We will continue to schedule live-streamed events. We are accessible by phone, email, or social media accounts. We will continue to operate online 24-hours a day.
What else can we do if we already donated?
Firstly, thank you. Please feel empowered to ask teachers, educators, administrators, librarians, parents where they buy their books from? Ask them to consider Afriware Books, Co and we will take it from there. Our 30 year history, book industry expertise, established credit with large publishing houses and distribution centers already positions us to fulfill most if not all orders.
Do you need help with the move on Oct. 28?
Yes, please reach out by email to: [email protected]. Yes, we even could use some sturdy large empty boxes to pack up all the books.
What about your staff?
The great Susan Dew and Kayla Dillingham will continue to assist with the daily operations of processing orders, and updating our website amongst many other things. Owner, Nzingha Nommo will lean more on them now more than ever since she’s taken a teaching position at Wright College. When we are at Trinity, UCC we are thankful for volunteers: Pat Lofton, Charlotte Blackman, Pat Lofton, Sandy Jenkins, Donna Brumfield, and Danita Brown. Special shout out to our former staff/volunteers who have also reached out and provided in-kind donations - Kajaria Yarbrough, Julie Davis, Petrina McKinnor, Krystle Coleman, Frank Cannon, Wendell Dew, Iyiola Adebajo, Kadesha Thomas, Jasmine and James Stokes II, Robert Collins, Sophia Brodderick, Christine LaRue, Randy Evans, Kay Dinkins. Please charge it to my head and not my heart if I’ve left your name off. You also are appreciated.
Will you still have book signings?
Yes, Afriware Books, Co will schedule book signings at the Oak Park address, partner with libraries like Oak Park, Maywood, Broadview, Forest Park Blackstone or Carter G. Woodson as we have before. We will also continue to have author presentations online.
What about my order I placed online?
Afriware Books, Co will continue to process your orders. There may be a slight delay toward the end of the month, but as always, feel free to email us with any questions about the status of your order.
Can we pick up books from your new location?
Yes, on our scheduled event days in Oak Park or around town Afriware Books, Co will bring a selection of our stored inventory. When you order online, selecting the option to ship to your location will have the quickest turn around.
Can I pickup my order from your new location?
To begin, Afriware Books, Co asks you to have your books shipped directly to your location. When we have a chance to properly sort and organize our inventory for easy selection (within a month or two), we will work toward a pickup option. Over the pandemic we shifted to have our suppliers ship directly to you. This process is called “drop shipment” and is best suited for a hybrid model we’re moving to.
Can I order books over the phone?
Yes. Call our business line: 708-223-8081 and leave a message. We will call back during our new business hours TBA.
How often will you schedule events in the new Oak Park Location?
Afriware Books Co will start with scheduling events at least once per month starting in December/January.
I’m a local school/organization/fraternity/sorority and want to save on shipping costs by picking up at your location. Can we make arrangements?
Yes, for orders of 20 items or more (same title or mixed), we are able to make arrangements outside of our scheduled events to meet you at our Oak Park location, please inquire at [email protected]
I know that GoFundMe takes a large chunk of the amount donated. How else can we donate (non-tax deductible) online?
Feel free to use:
Store website: afriwarebooks.com
Shop our Audiobooks: https://libro.fm/afriwarebooks?bookstore=afriwarebooks
Show our Ebooks: https://www.ebooks.com/en-au/?affid=ABCO2646944&ref=email
Donation link: https://www.afriwarebooks.com/afriwareshipping.html
CashApp: $Afriwarebooks
Zelle: [email protected]
Paypal: [email protected]
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7735cc66
Make Checks out to: Afriware Books, Co.
Address: (before Nov. 1): Afriware Books, Co 1701 S. 1st Ave., Suite 400, Maywood, IL 60153
(On or after Nov. 1): Afriware Books, Co, 1033 S. Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302
Special Salute of thanks to our supporters (and many more who purchased in store/online over the years)
Aberash Z Woldetsadik, Adam Cannon, Alfreda Williams, Alice J Ramsay, Alicia Brown, Allison Riley, Almarie Wagner, Amanda Firestone, Ameir Tahir, ameir tahir, Amihan Huesmann, Amy Binns-Calvey, Amy Langman, Ana Garcia Doyle, Andrew Cooper, Andy Frye, Anneliese Hernandez,Annette Harden, Annie Topete, Anonymous D, Anonymous J, Bamani Obadele, Beth Brady, Beverly Singleton, Blossom Wright, Bonnie Thomas-Huntt, Brenda Henry, Brooke Borris-Chott, Carla Betts, Carmen Jackson McKinney, Cassandra Smith, Cecile Keith Brown, Charissa Portillo, Cheryl Bentley, Cheryl Rainey, Christina Venkatesh, Clarrissia Lindsay, Daniel Weathersby, Darnell Johnson, Darrell Waller, David Burns, David Pugh, Dawan Sadrud-Din, Deborah M Donovan, Deena Fischer, Dejuan Shadd, Dexter L Rogers, Diamantina Sanchez, Doreen Vaughn, Doris Brooks, Dorothy Lambshead Roche, Dr. Janet Rutledge, El Malik Bey, Elizabeth Abunaw, Elizabeth Nelson, Elizabeth Thurman, Ellen Sveinsson, Emily Knox, Everette Ingram, Frank Cannon, Franklin Stevenson, Gilda Hooks, Henderson Goins, Home Cox, Home xxxxxxxx, Hugh Crane, Irvin Brown, Irving Bunton Jr, James Mostowy, James Pfluecke, Jana Eichhorn, Janyce Simmons, Jean Weathers, Jenni Zellner, Jennifer Diehl, Jesse Ingram, Jesse Ingram, Joseph Bondi, Joseph Fulton, Joy Bunton, Joyce Bowen, Julie Davis, Kafilat Lawal, Katie Lindsey, Katrina DeVinner, Katrina Thompson, Keith Ahmad, Kenneth Carr, Kevin Harris, KEVIN TYSON, Kimberly Campbell, Kimberly Duncan, Kimberly Martin, Kimberly N Ruffin, Kirkland Jones, Kristin Graziano, Larry ALLEN, Larry Shapiro, Laura Botwinick, Lawrence Anzilotti, Lawrence Connor, Lester A Wright, Leviah Holt, Linda Valentine, Linda Vick, Lisa Azu-Popow, Lisa Lee, Lisa Smith, Lori Grieshaber, Lorie Westerfield, Loveya Allmon, Lucretia Tahir, M Stahl, Maceo Thomas, Mack Julion, Margo Thomas, Mark Chambers, Mary Beth Cobleigh-Beal, Mary Beth Lang, Maureen Ryan, Maureen Wierema, Meg Hatton, Meghan Carter, Michael Garner, Michael Jones, Michael Romain, Michael Tinsley, Michelle Melin-Rogovin, Miguel Jones, moAnonymous, Monica McAbee, Mrs. June Coleman, Paige Sanders, Pamela Niesluchowski, Peter Francis Cerrato, Phillip Burke, Phyllis Dixon, Princess Coleman, Quentin Stephens, Ragina L Bunton, Remona Sanders, Repair Restore And Grow Black Communities, Richard Estes, Rob Collins, Robert Jones, Romaine Roberts, Ruth (You Go Girl) Fulton, Safiya Karimah, Salem Collojulin, Sandra Parris, Sara Earhart, Shakira Abdul-Ali, Shannon Stokes, Sharon Lewis, Sharon Sims, sheila fortinberry, Sherry Kamke, Skye Lavin, Sonya Ott, Soyini Walton, stacy corbett, Stephanie Bird, Stephen Molnar, Steve Stampley, Susan Farnum, Susan Fitch, Tanya Ward, Ted Paris, Teme Ring, Thomas Bethany, Tiphanie Raffegeau, Tressie Hope, Troy Taylor, TyWanna Patrick, Valerie Morrow, Valoria Robinson, Vickie Dent, Vickie Durrah, Warren Northern, Yvette Moyo, Yvonne Shields, Yvonne Utomi, and Zemoonitah HaSati
