Black Spring Vintage Books seeks to recover after devastating flood
After the water receded, the extent of the damage became clear. The owner said numerous bags filled with ruined books had to be thrown away despite efforts to dry and preserve them.
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A Williamsburg bookstore owner is salvaging what she can after flooding from the recent storm inundated her basement, destroying hundreds of vintage books, records and pieces of artwork.
Simona Blat, owner of Black Spring Books, watched in horror Saturday as roughly 3 feet of water rushed into the building's basement, damaging much of her collection. She said she raced up and down a winding staircase trying to save as many items as possible before the water took over.
"Look, you can see what happens when a book gets damaged. It just absorbs it like a sponge," she said while showing the effects of the flooding.
Among the items spared was a prized first edition of Robert Caro's "The Power Broker."
"I'm so glad this was saved, first edition 'The Power Broker.' I don't know what I would have done if this didn't make it," Blat said.
After the water receded, the extent of the damage became clear. The owner said numerous bags filled with ruined books had to be thrown away despite efforts to dry and preserve them.
"It was many, many trash bags that we had to throw out. It's ruined. This was a book I tried to save with a hair dryer," she said.
Holding up another damaged title, she pointed to the lasting effects of even minor water exposure.
"This is a Spanish book. Just a few drops, look at what's happened," she said.
Boxes filled with books and artwork that survived now cover the store's upper floor, a reminder of both what was saved and what was lost. The owner said the destruction goes far beyond inventory.
"It's not just the books. They are vintage. It's people's stories, collections, one-of-one pieces, historic books. You can't just replace that," she said.
The bookstore opened five years ago and specializes in vintage editions, rare collections, classic literature and hard-to-find titles. The collection includes books from around the world, including works printed in the former Soviet Union.
While the flood has significantly reduced her inventory, the owner remains hopeful that customers will continue to support the shop and help preserve the stories contained within its remaining collection.
"I just hope people come in and love the collection and give these books a second life, extend their story," she said.
A community GoFundMe to help her recoup her losses, and potentially help fix issues in her property, has raised $17,000 of a stated $20,000 goal.
