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Help St. Mark’s Bookshop - East Village Community Coalition

Buy a book, sign a petition

St. Mark’s Bookshop has been a Lower East Side institution since 1977 and is one of the few independent bookstores in Manhattan. But, they are struggling to pay their rent in a market-rate Cooper Union-owned storefront at 31 3rd Avenue. Neighbors and members of the Cooper Square Committee have called on Cooper Union to reduce the rent so our community can retain its independent bookstore. Please buy a book and sign the online petition today! Click here and here for updated media coverage of St. Mark’s fight.

We have long been advocates of supporting local merchants and encourage you to choose small, independent businesses over chains and franchises. Shopping locally keeps more money in our neighborhood and helps retain the unique character of the Lower East Side. Download the Get Local Shopping Guide. It lists hundreds of local merchants and the updated 5th Edition will be available in October!