LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Lexington bookstore was in danger of closing until a group of people decided to come forward to keep it open, according to Community Organizer April Taylor.
The owners of Wild Fig Coffee and Books decided to sell the store, Taylor said, that has meant so much to many in people in the community.
It’s the only black-owned bookstore in Kentucky, she said.
“It’s a space that people come to for grounding, for healing and it’s been that way for so many people,” Taylor said.
But a group of locals has come together to raise money to purchase the business and keep it open, she said. It will now act as a worker’s cooperative, she said, and each worker will have a say in the decisions made about the store.
It’s a unique solution for Lexington, she said, but there are successful models for worker’s cooperatives in many other states.
Taylor is impressed with the money raised so far, but is still seeking help.
“We really need people to show their support whether they have something to give right now or not…no amount is too small,” she said.
