WELCOME to the letter A and to this year’s theme: BOOKSHOPS
493 Prince Avenue Athens, GA 706-352-2060
April…spring in the south with the roadside awash in fresh greenness. As we start our bookstore tour, we will begin by visiting historic downtown Athens with its pervasive student culture at the University of Georgia. Here is a vibrant and energetic place with restaurants and music, intellectual, creative and artistic talent. We are delighted to find an independent bookstore, Avid Books, that owner Janet Gaddis opened in 2011. Five years later she has opened a second shop. Our step quickens as we near the store because Janet has offered the community a place after our own hearts. “We want to find just that perfect book that will change your life for the better. We want to serve as a hub for open conversation between people of all backgrounds and a spot where people of all ages and reading habits can feel welcome and comfortable,”
Five Points – 1622 S.Lumpkin 706-850-2843
Consider this: Jessica Handler, author of “Invisible Sisters: A Memoir….. says, “Independent bookstores like Avid hand-sell. So unlike big box stores they know our tastes, are enthusiastic about authors, and they really contribute to the literary community with their knowledge of what’s new and good to read, and what authors will be on hand to meet, read and sign books. Indie bookstores like Avid are so crucial to the literary ecosystem.”
Like myself, I know you love a bookstore. I look forward to sharing some special shops throughout the blog challenge where architecture comes into play, an intriguing community, and the owners are great stewards of our world of books.
“WHERE IS HUMAN NATURE SO WEAK AS IN THE BOOKSTORE?” Henry Ward Beecher
Image found on Pinterest: Bookstore -Willy Belinfante
There was an ‘Avid’ bookstore in my hometown too, Stepheny – the Avid Reader. It was open for a decade but, unfortunately, closed a couple of years ago thanks to big box and online competition. Your Avid bookstore looks so inviting, from the blue paint to the window displays. If I were there, I’d be entering right now, the bell that I’m sure is there, tinkling as I closed the door, prepared to stay for a good long time.
If I had my way you and I would visit together, buy some books, wander the street and end up at lunch talking books. Let’s pretend!
Such a welcoming storefront. I enjoyed your post today. Visiting from
If I Only Had A Time Machine
Your blog is a great example of how blogging can work. You continue to pour energy into your research and presentation, I love your theme this year. I am smiling to have you visit this opening post for my theme this year, BOOKSTORES.
Hari OM
I love books. I love architecture. This means I have to love your posts! Will tell you about our local shop tomorrow – it’s a B-word! YAM xx
Delighted that this year’s theme strikes a chord with you. I love having a new kindred spirit to wander the bookstores with. Thanks for leaving your comment.
What a lovely theme, I look forward to seeing what other stores you visit 🙂
Late with this reply, but happy to have a new blogging friend like you.
I love bookshops! Actually worked through college in one. You are quite ambitious to attemt to blog through the alphabet with book stores. I’ll look forward to your posts.
Lucky you having worked in one. The bookshops I am writing about throughout the #Challenge are sure to tempt you. See you along the way.
At the moment, I happen to be right near Athens, know the town well. If I can get away, I hope to visit this bookstore. Came down to visit my mom, but before we arrived, she fell and broke two ribs… so slow going on much of anything right now.