Bookstore Gets $25,000 After Flood Destroys Books

A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $25,000 for Black Spring Books in Williamsburg after a July storm flooded its basement.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy

Water-stained hardcover books stacked on a damp basement concrete floor beside a dark utility pump, with a brick foundation wall behind. — A severe July storm flooded Black Spring Books in Williamsburg, destroying about a thousand books, and a GoFundMe campaign by Nicole Treska has raised nearly $25,000 to keep the store open. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A severe storm in July flooded the basement of Black Spring Books in Williamsburg, destroying about a thousand books and causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. A GoFundMe campaign started by Nicole Treska has raised nearly $25,000 to help the store stay open.

Why it matters

The bookstore has operated for five years and its owner is struggling to pay rent and keep the store running. The campaign shows how online fundraising can help small independent businesses recover from unexpected losses.

Nearly $25,000 was raised through the GoFundMe campaign started by Nicole Treska, compared with tens of thousands of dollars in flood damage. The total covers only part of the losses, and the campaign's final overall impact on the store's finances has not been reported.

The players

GoFundMe

GoFundMe is an online crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that hosts personal, charitable and small-business fundraising campaigns.

Tim Cadogan

Tim Cadogan is the chief executive of GoFundMe, which he has led as the company's top executive.

The details

A severe storm flooded the basement of Black Spring Books in July, destroying about a thousand books. GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan toured the Williamsburg shop during a New York City visit, and the platform said it has raised $50 billion for online fundraisers since 2010.

July: A severe storm flooded the basement of Black Spring Books.
Tuesday (prior to Nov. 11, 2026): GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan toured the bookstore during his New York City visit.

Philanthropy Landscape

The campaign reflects GoFundMe's growth as a platform that has raised $50 billion for online fundraisers since 2010. It shows how crowdfunding has become a common way for local small businesses in New York City to seek help after disasters.

New Yorkers who want to help local independent shops recover from disasters can contribute through campaigns like this one. Readers who shop at small bookstores may also find that their purchases help keep these businesses open during difficult periods.

The takeaway

Community support through online fundraising can help small businesses recover from disasters that would otherwise close them. Supporting local shops directly, whether by donating or buying from them, helps sustain neighborhood businesses over time.