Endangered: Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse

, Atlanta’s longtime independent gay and lesbian bookstore, today issued a call for help and support to about 9,000 followers.

But “no tears,” said Philip Rafshoon, founder and owner of the store at 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue. “We’re not crying, we’re just alerting.”

In the “open letter to our community” sent via email, Rafshoon called Outwrite “the most visible LGBT landmark in the city and one of the largest remaining independent bookstores of any kind in the Southeast.” LGBT refers to the store that has been a literary haven and resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. Rafshoon started the store 18 years ago on Monroe Avenue and moved to the current corner 15 years ago.

Rafshoon has no plans to close the store at this time, but “things are definitely in jeopardy,” he said. In the letter, he wrote of bookstores closing across the country. Just one of those is San Francisco’s longtime LGBT bookstore, A Different Light, which closed just a few weeks ago after 23 years.

“Although our doors are still open,” Rafshoon wrote in his public letter, “our sales have not been immune to the downturn in the economy and the impact technology has on how people buy and read books.”

With a lot of people moving to e-books, “we have to reconfigure all that we do and can be doing here,” Rafshoon said in an interview.

He could not say how much longer Outwrite can hang on. But that’s partly because he and staff are choosing to see their cup half full, not half empty. They think they can and will make it through — if the community steps up.

“We’re not in danger of closing this week or this month,” Rafshoon said. “But we wanted to get the word out to people before it becomes a problem.”

So what can people do?

Basically, beef up your support of the store. Reserve the lounge for your small business meeting. Pop in to Outwrite’s coffeehouse more often for coffee, sandwiches, sweets. And spread the word that Outwrite needs help.

Outwrite needs sponsorships for some of its author events and other programs. The store hosts dozens of free literary events throughout the year, bringing in both rising and established talents, and “names” from Roseanne Barr to Star Jones. Primetime CNN anchor Don Lemon has just been booked for an appearance on June 22 to promote his coming-out memoir, “Transparent.”

Volunteers are being sought to come to Outwrite’s rescue with creative ideas for helping the store evolve with the times and get back on solid footing. Also, Rafshoon hopes others can curb operating costs by volunteering services  — from marketing to carpentry.

“We want to hear from anyone who has a skill that they think can help us reach our full potential in this community,” Rafshoon said. He has set up an email address for anyone with a skill to volunteer, an idea, a sponsorship pitch, etc. -- communityaction@outwritebooks.com

In the letter sent by e-blast, Rafshoon also reminded folks that they can buy any and all books, CDs and DVDs from Outwrite when shopping online: www.outwritebooks.com.

“In the next few weeks, as we hear from people, our goals will become more clear,” Rafshoon said. “I do think the economy is coming back.  Now we just need people to shop more and to step up and help however they can. With increased revenue, I think we can do it.

"Please don’t close this store. That’s something the 10 employees at Outwrite have been hearing again and again for the last couple of years."

“We don’t want to close,” Rafshoon said. “We think this community cares enough and is strong enough to help us take care of the store.”