Philly AIDS Thrift to reopen LGBT bookstore Giovanni's Room
Philly AIDS Thrift signed a two-year contract to lease the building that housed Giovanni’s Room, the country’s oldest LGBT bookstore.
It's a beautiful day in the Gayborhood.
That's because the Philadelphia Gay News has reported that Philly AIDS Thrift signed a two-year contract to lease the building that housed Giovanni's Room, the country's oldest LGBT bookstore.
Called Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room, the already successful thrift store's new location will feature higher-end second-hand pieces and books dedicated to LGBT issues. Philly AIDS Thrift manager Alan Chelak even hopes to continue readings and events often held in the 3,000-square-foot space on 12th and Pine streets.
Philly AIDS Thrift is a 501(c)3 charity that has donated almost $900,000 to HIV/AIDS organizations since opening in 2005. Its current location in Queen Village will remain open as the company takes on this new venture.
After closing over the summer, Giovanni's Room's doors will reopen on Oct. 10. The store will hold "sneak-peak shopping days" in the month before the official grand opening.
Like the Queen Village location, the thrift store's new location will continue to run largely with the help of volunteers and public donations. There will be six people on payroll at the Pine Street location.
About keeping the Giovanni's Room legacy alive, Chelak told PGN, "We get to keep the space going and create and nurture positive relationships with the community, and the money we make will go to an amazing cause."