Construction began last week on the 12th Street wall of Giovanni’s Room, which needs to be torn down and rebuilt, costing the nation’s oldest LGBT bookstore more than $50,000. Store owner Ed Hermance said the shop has brought in about $9,000 in donations so far. To generate funds and awareness of the project at next month’s OutFest, the store will host a bake and coffee sale and a Publisher’s Row of authors and will sell raffle tickets for a grand prize that includes a two-night stay at the Independent Hotel, dinner at Knock and day passes to 12th St. Gym. The project should be completed by mid-October. Photo: Scott Drake
