Local Woman Pleads For Help To Save Elderly Man's Beloved Books, Livelihood

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A local woman is putting her heart on the line and pleading for help to save a friend's beloved book collection, in peril of being lost because he can't afford the storage unit fees.

"Harold Becker is a book dealer and one of the kindest, smartest, and most interesting people I have ever met," said Amanda Frazer, who kicked off a GoFundMe, "Save Harold Becker's Books," that has raised $850 of its $5,000 goal this week.

"He is 86 years old, a Korean War veteran, and recently lost his job as a pharmacist after spending five weeks in the hospital recovering from surgery," she wrote.

"He can no longer hear well enough to decipher words — he uses a phone that converts words into text — and without his job, he is now living off of his Social Security payments," she said.

"Harold has 15 or so storage units filled with the most amazing collection of books, but he does not have the money to pay the rent on the units and they are facing auction. Harold has no immediate family to help him. He lost his only child at a very young age. After she died, Harold started collecting books as a way to channel his grief."

The books, Frazer said, "are Harold's life and his only source of income. He has had a booth at the Miami International Book Fair in past years and now sells books when he can to a few faithful customers. I am one of them. If he loses these books, he will lose the only thing that he has left that is near and dear to his heart."

She added, "Please help save these units for him. I promise you, he is worth whatever donation you can give. We are all one big family, and Harold needs some family right now. And, if you are looking for any books, Harold is your man."

To donate, click here.