Turn the Page with Us

A New Chapter for Gemma
Support our community space in Târgu Mureș/Marosvásárhely through culture, connection, and shared purpose.

Who we are

We are Gemma Book Café — a cozy, creative, and courageous social enterprise in Târgu Mureș/Marosvásárhely, Romania. From the beginning, we’ve been more than a café or a bookshop. We are a living, breathing community space: a gathering point for dialogue, creativity, activism, and shared experiences.

At Gemma, you’ll find poetry nights, book launches, live music, awareness campaigns, and intergenerational workshops. We bring people together around culture and conversation — to reflect, to celebrate, to learn, and to act. Our motto is: inclusion first!

Yes, we serve specialty coffee and offer a thoughtful book collection — but our core mission is about building community through meaningful events and inclusive programming that challenge injustice, spark ideas, promote inclusion, and strengthen human connection.

One of our team members, Krisztina, is a powerful reminder of why Gemma matters. Living with a disability, she pays for her own development therapy from her salary at Gemma, and proudly saves up the tips she earns to buy herself clothes — something she hadn’t felt free to do before. Her story is one of quiet resilience and dignity, and reflects the kind of impact an inclusive space can have when people are seen, valued, and supported.

But now, we need your help to continue.
This campaign is not just about growth — it’s about new life.

Why this campaign matters

In 2025, we want to keep Gemma serving the local community and expand its capacity to host events that matter — cultural programs that spark conversation, amplify unheard voices, and give our community a sense of belonging.

We are launching this campaign to raise 15,000 RON, which will help us continue our mission and keep our doors open. Without it, we may not be able to sustain the space and programming our community has come to rely on.

Your support is not just helpful — it is very much needed.

You’re helping us protect one of the very few cultural, independent, and inclusive spaces in the city.

 What will the funds support?

• Cultural and social impact events
• Awareness-raising workshops and gatherings
• Author launches and community storytelling
• A refreshed book collection tied to our events
• Physical upgrades so we can keep hosting safely and inclusively

If we don’t reach the full amount, we’ll prioritize what matters most: accessibility, cultural and social impact events, and keeping Gemma’s space open for all.

What you receive

To thank you for standing with us:

• A handwritten thank-you card from our team (20 RON+)
• A coffee on us (50 RON+)
• Your name on Gemma’s honorary donor wall + ☕ a coffee on us (100 RON+)
• An invite to our 5th Anniversary Night in 2025 (250 RON+) — a celebration of survival, solidarity, and shared joy
• Or, support anonymously — every gesture matters.

 The impact

Gemma is the only space of its kind in our city — where culture, care, and activism meet. With your help, we can stay open — and stay true to our mission.

• You’re giving us the chance to keep going.
• You’re protecting a space where creativity and critical thinking thrive.
• You’re giving voice to local writers, artists, and dreamers.
• You’re giving our city a space it can’t afford to lose.

This isn’t just about books or events — it’s about ensuring that Gemma continues.

Risks and challenges

We’re a small team with big heart. Rising costs, limited funding, and ongoing instability are daily challenges — but we remain transparent and committed. Every RON will be used carefully and with purpose. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Other ways to help

Even if you can’t donate, you can make a difference:

→ Share this campaign with your community
→ Send a note of support — it helps more than you know

Let’s turn the page — and keep Gemma fulfilling its mission, together.