One week remains in Regis Murphy’s Kickstarter appeal to fund Worlds of Wonder science fiction bookstore and tavern in Charlotte, North Carolina. The goal is to raise $45,000 “to meet the basic costs required to open in at least some form.”

The $45,000 will go toward inventory, to secure the lease, pay two full-time employees during pre-opening start-up, and to cover Kickstarter fees and the cost of incentives.

Learn more about the vision for Worlds of Wonder on Facebook and on its website.

Why open a bookstore in the age of Amazon and e-books? Murphy says he is undaunted, in fact, he thinks the outlook is improving for what he wants to do.

While many outside the industry perceive book retailing to be a fading enterprise, sales statistics reveal book buying has actually increased in recent years, somewhat ironically propelled by the popularity of e-books and e-readers. While the large chain bookstores continue to lose market share to Amazon, sales at independent bookstores have increased about 8 percent each year over the last three years. Sales at stores serving a niche market – science fiction and graphic novel enthusiasts, for instance – have performed even better.

Add to that, his bookstore will have a bar:

The owners of Worlds Of Wonder, taking note of the explosive growth in popularity of craft beer, believe their target market enjoy beer and wine, and combining a full service bar with a bookstore will generate curious interest.

Murphy says he has the passion, he has the energy – and though he’s putting in his savings, he’ll only have enough money if sf readers answer his call for help.