A New Gnu's Room

Books and coffee are not the only things the Gnu’s Room has to offer.

Located on Gay Street next to Amsterdam’s Café, the Gnu’s Room recently made the decision to become a non-profit organization and renovate its space. So far, they’ve raised $8,400 through fundraising events and donations.
“Our kick-off fundraiser for the renovation project was actually in December,” said Tina Tatum, executive director of the Gnu’s Room. “It was called the South Side Art Festival. We hosted local artists who donated pieces for a silent auction.”
Some of the renovations they would like to make, Tatum said, are to expand their space to allow for more seating as well as renovate their basement, which is in poor condition.
Other fundraisers the Gnu’s Room has hosted include book sales, t-shirt sales and networking through e-mail and Facebook to raise donations.
In March, they will host a block party to raise more money, Tatum said.
“Folks who make crafts and artisans will have booths set up outside for the block party,” Tatum said. “There will also be live music outside, which is always fun.”
Through establishing itself as a non-profit organization, Tatum said they would have more opportunities to do programs that reach out to the community.
One program the Gnu’s Room would like to start is a mobile literacy, tutoring and art-teaching program.
“We would like the program to go to various rural communities, like Notasulga, Tuskegee or Valley, Alabama and offer art lessons, music lessons and literacy training to these underserved areas,” Tatum said.
Through establishing itself as a non-profit organization, the Gnu’s Room will be able to receive donations and apply for grants to fund projects they want to do in the community.
“The book sales and the coffee sales pay the rent, utilities and salaries,” Tatum said. “Donations and grant monies are used to actually fund the projects.”
Along with offering coffee, pastries and used books, the Gnu’s Room also offers events such as; book readings, live music and an engaged scholar speaker series. All events are free to the public.
The next fundraiser for the renovation project, a book sale, will be this Saturday and Sunday.
Because the Gnu’s Room has yet to receive verification for non-profit status, donations can be made through the Auburn Arts Association.
Tatum said her goal, as of now, is to reach $15,000 in donations and officially become a non-profit organization by June.
“Our vision for the future is to complete this remodeling project,” Tatum said, “which will make more efficient use of our space and enable more people to attend our events.”