The Gnu’s Room, a local used bookstore and coffee shop here in Auburn, had originally planned on closing its doors permanently at the end of February.

The store has provided Auburn residents with more than a book and a cup of coffee. It has been a constant supporter of the local arts with artworks from local artists hanging on the walls of the store. They also hold readings by local authors and music performances by local musicians.

Tina Tatum, part owner of The Gnu’s Room, said that she attributes the stores closing to a bad economy.

“We have been struggling for several months,” said Tatum. “We decided that the only thing we could do was to close down, not that any of us wanted to. We started telling our regular customers just because I wanted them to be aware of how much we appreciated their support.”

As the news of the store’s closing reached its loyal customers, a group of students and community members approached Tatum expressing their concerns for the store.

These concerned customers have organized a fundraiser to not only help The Gnu’s Room, but other local businesses in the area. They have developed the theme “Spread The Gnu’s: By Local.”

The group of fundraisers has approached 12 small businesses in the area about sponsoring a T-shirt sale in order to raise money.

“It’s just to raise awareness not only for The Gnu’s Room, but for small businesses in general,” said Tatum. “People need to support their local businesses or they are going to go away.”

This Saturday, Feb. 28, The Gnu’s Room will be hosting a fundraising benefit featuring a variety of local artists. There will be poetry and prose readings, live music and theatre performances, all which will feature local artists.
The event will also include a silent art auction and all books will be half price. All proceeds will go toward helping the Gnu’s Room stay in business.

David Story, a Gnu’s Room regular, is an adjunct communication instructor at Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College. He is also the author of the book “America on the Rerun: TV Shows that Never Die.”

“I was so disappointed to hear that Gnu’s Room might be closing, but very excited to learn concerned students and community members had come together to organize the ‘Spread the Gnu's: Buy Local’ fundraiser,” said Story. “The Gnu’s Room is an Auburn landmark, and it would be shame to loose it.”

Story added that The Gnu’s Room reminds him of the neighborhood coffeehouses in the Atlanta neighborhood where he used to live. “Auburn is lucky to have such a place, and hopefully Gnu's Room will be around for a long time to come.”

The fundraiser starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. this Saturday at The Gnu’s Room bookstore. It is a chance for Auburn and Opelika residents to enjoy the local arts while helping support a local business.



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