The Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation is joining forces with dozens of authors and creators to launch a new fundraising campaign. The Now More Than Ever, I Stand with Bookstores campaign was created to encourage book and comic fans to support local stores. On May 19 through June 2, 2025, comic book shops and book stores around the country will have displays where donations can be made to Binc.

Binc ambassador bestselling author Amor Towles and other authors/creators have pledged to match the first $50,000 in donations, dollar for dollar.

“With the growing uncertainty of federal funding that supports local community resources, the challenges against First Amendment rights, and overall financial insecurity, store employees are at greater risk of harassment and not being able to withstand and navigate a personal crisis. Requests to Binc for help have increased 8% over last year and the average amount to resolve a crisis is also rising,” per Binc’s press release.

“Book and comic people need our support more now than ever,” Binc Executive Director Pam French said. “They are on the front lines, working to preserve the right to free speech, the open exchange of ideas, and the freedom to read. The work of bookstores and comic shops matters more than ever.”