Who we are....

The Used Bookstore in Downtown Chico is in danger of closing.

As manager of The Bookstore in Chico, California for the last 22 years, Josh Mills has developed a passion for books. He and his wife, Muir Hughes have both grown up in this community and now raise their children there.

After 37 years in operation, the owner decided it was time to retire and close up shop. The Mills family wished to keep the store open, giving a deposit to stop the closure. The remaining balance must be raised in the next 45 days to purchase the business and keep the doors open. The Bookstore is a tremendous resource that can't be lost!

Located in the heart of downtown, community arts and cultural events will be promoted as a new vision for the store with the focus remaining on providing a large selection of high quality used books. Literacy advocacy, regular children's story hour and poetry readings will be implemented. 

This family of four are all artists. Josh Mills is a photographer, Muir Hughes is a textile artist and performance artist and both children aged 10 and 12 are visual and performance artists and actively collaborate within the community. With an opportunity to fully utilize the space, regular art events will take place showcasing artists in various mediums. They also have a vision for the underutilized back courtyard for small events, receptions and workshops.

Where will the money go?

We need to raise a minimum of $35,000 to pay the balance on the business. This will allow the doors to remain open to the community. The Bookstore has been a valuable and prominent business for locals and tourists alike but has not been fully realized as a resource. With this funding, community involvement will increase.

This campaign features unique perks including rare signed books and original art. 

What are the results?

Your donation means The Bookstore is important to you and has the potential to continue to be an anchor in the community. In this changing world, bookstores offer something tangible and meaningful.  We love books and the environment a physical bookstore offers. 

Now, perhaps more than ever, we need a place to explore, get lost in, get inspired by, and maybe slow down every once in awhile.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you want to see The Bookstore continue, please let people know about the store, the campaign, and spread the word. We will post updates about our progress. 

Thank you sincerely,

The Mills Family