A new independent bookstore opened in the old Mission Hills library on Monday to support local libraries.
Why it matters: The shop, run by the San Diego Library Foundation, revitalizes the site that has sat vacant since 2018, and adds a new revenue stream for library branches threatened by local and federal budget cuts.
Zoom in: The Library Shop Mission Hills’ shelves are stocked with books by local authors, titles on LGBTQ+ and immigration issues, curated staff recommendations and book-themed gifts, knickknacks and tote bags.
Between the lines: The city had been looking to redevelop the site for years, but halted plans to turn it into an affordable housing site after facing pushback from some residents.
What they’re saying: “This is where public investment and private investment goes into creating a neighborhood community asset that then ultimately goes to support the city,” Library Foundation SD CEO Patrick Stewart told Axios.
