Hello, we’re so glad you’re here!

We are Gail Levine and Jennifer Levine Medeiros, a mother-daughter team who are excited to come together to bring a fresh addition to the Mission Hills neighborhood: Through the Fold, Books + Community. With over 50 years of collective experience in education, we are bringing our lifelong commitment and passion for inspiring young minds to the heart of the community with this wonderful new venture, located in the heart of another beloved local treasure: The Mission Hills Nursery. 

 Through the Fold will be more than just a bookstore. We are creating a hub for learning and creativity. In addition to events such as author readings, workshops, book clubs, etc. that bring the community together, the team is excited to introduce out-of-school programs for children, designed to spark curiosity and enhance their lifelong love of literacy, stories, and story-telling.

But we can’t do this without your help. We will be building a bookstore from the ground up, which requires funding. Your contributions will be the heart of this project, allowing us to breathe life into a dream many Mission Hills community members have long held for a community home with programming for all ages. 

What’s the plan?

Our goal is to raise $120,000. This will cover the foundation, building the bookstore, and stocking it with all of the books and materials necessary to make this dream a reality.

But we won’t stop there. If we are able to raise more than is needed for the start-up costs, all additional funds will be set aside for scholarships allowing broader access to our out-of-school time programs for families experiencing financial hardship. 

Supporters who get involved early will have access to unique opportunities for preview parties, discounted merchandise, and lifetime membership into our community partners perks program, which grants early access to sign ups for pre-sales, events, and classes. 

Why a Bookstore? 

We love books. We love diving into stories and exploring new places, ideas, and experiences, and also finding pieces of ourselves reflected back at us. We love talking about books with other people and sharing that moment of connection and sameness, or that broader understanding of someone else’s perspective. A neighborhood bookstore is so much more than a place to buy books, they are a hub for discourse, support, and deeper kinship. 

Through the Fold will offer our neighbors a place to do so much more than just find their next favorite read (though there will be plenty of that, for sure!) Our team has a proven ability to create programs and opportunities that inspire joy, spark creativity, and connect people to purpose. From youth programs that leverage high interest activities to support literacy development to adult programs focused around shared interests, we intend to be your go-to space for exploration. 

Risks & Challenges

Opening an independent bookstore is both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge. While we are deeply passionate about creating a literary hub in Mission Hills, we recognize the risks involved in launching and sustaining a bookstore. However, with a smart, diversified business model and the strong backing of our community, we are confident that this dream can thrive.

The Challenge of Small Margins in Bookselling

The reality of independent bookselling is that profit margins on book sales are low. However, what big retailers lack is the heart and soul of an independent bookstore—personalized recommendations, a curated selection, and a welcoming space that fosters connection and discovery.

How We’re Offsetting Financial Risk

To ensure long-term sustainability, we are not relying on book sales alone. Our bookstore will offer after-school classes, workshops, and other programming, which provide higher-margin revenue streams. These programs not only make our bookstore financially viable but also deepen our community’s relationship with the store. 

The Strength of Community Support

Mission Hills is a neighborhood that values and supports its small businesses. We have seen time and again how this community rallies behind local entrepreneurs, choosing to invest in businesses that align with their values. We believe that by building a space that reflects the needs and desires of our neighbors, we are creating a bookstore that belongs to the community as much as it does to us.

Your contribution to our crowdfunding campaign isn’t just about helping to open a bookstore—it’s about creating a gathering place, a learning space, and a home for book lovers of all ages. With your support, we can turn this vision into a reality and ensure that our bookstore becomes a lasting part of Mission Hills for years to come.

Other Ways You Can Help

Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help:

• Share this campaign with your friends and family
• Subscribe to our newsletter and join us at our pop-up events
• Complete our needs survey