Deadly tornadoes hit Tennessee early yesterday morning, killing more than 20 people in the region and damaging approximately 40 buildings in Nashville alone. Several book industry businesses with connections to the city and surrounding communities responded with updates and concern.
In a statement, Ingram Content Group CEO Shawn Morin said: "Devastating tornadoes passed through Middle Tennessee overnight causing considerable damage to communities across our state. Our heart goes out to all those affected by the storms, especially our associates and their families. While our headquarters and facilities did not sustain damage, this is our hometown and we share the community's devastation over the damage and are committed to doing all we can in the days that follow as Middle Tennessee recovers and rebuilds."
Parnassus Books tweeted yesterday that the store "will be closed today, so that our staff can help family and friends in the aftermath of the tornado. We should be open as usual tomorrow. We hope everyone is safe and sound."
On Facebook, the Bookshop wrote: "A tornado devastated our East Nashville neighborhood last night. The shop appears to have escaped major damage--For that, we are seriously thanking our lucky stars. We'll be closed today (Tuesday) to concentrate on helping our neighbors in the cleanup effort."
In an update last night, the Bookshop posted: "East Nashville has been hit *hard*, y’all. Our home in Lockeland Springs is ok, but we are still without power and one block away is devastation unlike anything I've ever seen. Feeling so lucky and thankful, but also heartsick for our neighbors. A few announcements: (1) the shop will be closed again tomorrow (Wednesday). When we do reopen, we'll definitely be collecting donations for the relief effort. Stay tuned for details on that. (2) We’ve decided to postpone Friday's launch party for The Vinyl Underground by @rob_rufus. We'll announce the new date in a couple of days, after the dust has (literally) settled. (3) See our stories for several ways you can help--with donations or by volunteering. (4) If you're feeling inclined to throw some support our way during this down time, just a reminder that our @bookshop_org online shop is open for business and accessible through our bio link. (5) This sticker (the pic) outside @the5spotnashville caught my eye this evening and made my heart swell. (6) Swipe for a peek at the gorgeous East Nashville sky tonight. Hope you and yours are safe--and thank you to everyone who’s expressed concern for me, the shop, the neighborhood, and the city. Your love is noted and appreciated."
In Cookeville, where another tornado caused extreme damage and loss of lives, Walls of Books posted: "Putnam County and the surrounding areas experienced a devastating night and rough morning. We hope all of you are safe at this point and can begin healing from this tragedy. We know not everyone was lucky last night. To each and every one of you and your families, we are praying for you.
"If any of you need a safe space to take a break or give your kids a distraction, please feel free to stop by. We have chairs and lounge areas, free coffee and tea, outlets to charge your phone, a restroom area, and a nice play area. We will also have a fun Dr. Seuss story time tomorrow at 10:30 that we think the kids will enjoy and snacks. We love you, Cookeville. We are a strong community, and together we will get through this."