Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > June > 02 > Entry
Atlanta readers: name your best book stores and libraries.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In this photo, author Ann M. Martin signs books at Scott’s Book Store in Newnan.
One of my first stop in any new city is the nearest library branch. Next stop is often a good local book store. (There are few ways I’d rather spend money than on books, but free and shared is always better.)
The Decatur branch of the DeKalb County Public Library impresses me every time it manages to have some obscure title. They dug a copy of “Beautiful Swimmers” out of storage for me. And how do I thank them? By turning it in late.
I’m pretty thrilled to have A Cappella Books within walking distance. And of the biggest thrills since I’ve moved here - Geek Out Time - was meeting Ann M. Martin, author of my childhood obsession, “The Baby-Sitters Club”.
Scott’s Book Store in Newnan was adorable and comfortable. It was the perfect neighborhood kinda place to wait in a line of tweens to meet an author, then park on couch and read for a while. Like Emily Hinely, pictured below:
If you’re a fellow library nut but aren’t sure where to go or how to get started, here’s a list of all the public libraries in Georgia, with links to their Web sites. Most list who is eligible for a card and you to fill one out. If you’re a newcomer who hasn’t yet gotten an official Georgia ID, bring along a lease, pay stub or utility bill that shows your address.
What’s your favorite place to find new books and or great old classics? Where’s your favorite place to curl up and read?
Maybe it’s the best place to meet an author, best place to find an obscure title, best place to get a good price or the place where you’ve got the best memories…share!
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Favorites
Comments
By Snapper Carr
June 2, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Dr. No’s in Marietta is “THE MAN” when it comes to bookstores!
By LaTreka
June 2, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
The Shrine of Black Madonna (West End) has a wonderful selection of African American Books. Also the Nubian Bookstore in Southlake Mall.
By Jeff
June 2, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
The only non-chain bookstore I know of is Open Door Christian Bookstore in Cartersville. (Take the Main Street Exit off of 75, stay straight until you get to the red light with the Schlotzky’s Deli on the left, and turn left. It will be about a half a mile down on your right.)
Other than that, I’ve actually found that I PREFER chain bookstores. If I want something they don’t have, I can always find it on Amazon.
Of the chains, my favorites are Barnes and Noble for non-Christian books, Lifeway for Christian books. (Though sadly, when it comes to Christian Fiction, there really isn’t that much difference in selection between the Albany Lifeway or Books a Million!)
Down here in Albany, all we have are a Lifeway and a Books a Million, so that has to work for me - though most of my book purchases this year have been online so far. (Met some fairly unknown authors through Myspace, and I’ve read MOST of their stuff. RJ Archer is the only one that I haven’t read his stuff yet, and that is because right before I met him my wife had bought me a TON of Grishams that I’m reading through now.
Interestingly, most of the authors I’ve met through myspace all had somewhat of a common theme: Alternative Archaeology. MOST dealing with Atlantis, but some not. (The two memorable non-Atlantean tales were a time-travel yarn where a man goes back in time to kill Jesus, but winds up becoming a disciple - and one of the ones we know about! The other was a modern/ancient Egyptian tale based around the Sphinx, who built it, and why.)
By Earl
June 2, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
The Shrine of the White Madonna in Forsyth County is excellent. They have many books on White Culture and the United States.
By BPJ
June 2, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
You’re fortunate to live near A Cappella Books.
As for libraries, I often use the Downtown library, which is near the AJC. You will hear some people say they won’t go there because of the homeless men who are often there; they’ve never bothered me, and the staff has been helpful. It’s not a great central library, but I find it useful. For a great library, try Emory. It is one of the premiere university libraries in the US. The special collections are superb. Not just anyone can walk in, but I’m sure the AJC can arrange for you to use it.
By posterchild
June 2, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
I wish we could get Half Price Books to come to Georgia. They are great.
By Anne
June 2, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
This topic makes me wax nostalgic for my beloved Oxford bookstores. I grew up in Buckhead and the store at Peachtree Battle was my home away from home. (Sigh.)
By scs
June 2, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
You definitely need to check out Charis Books on Euclid Avenue in L5P. It is one on a shrinking list of feminist bookstores in the country.
By Maria
June 2, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Though I live in Buckhead, I’m not terribly impressed with the Buckhead Library, outside of its cool architecture. I much prefer the selection (particularly of new books) at the Sandy Springs branch. I save my library trips for when I’m running errands in Sandy Springs. Spruill Oaks library in Alpharetta (near Duluth) is quite nice, too, but I hardly ever get up that way anymore.
My favorite bookstores are both in Decatur: Wordsmiths, for general books, and Little Shop of Stories for children’s and YA books. (I’m a nut for children’s books.) At both places, the staff is really wonderful and helpful. They’re good at knowing whether you’re just there to browse quietly, or whether you need help finding a specific book or could use a recommendation.
For when I can’t get to Decatur, there’s a trusty B&N across the street from where I live.
Anne, I still mourn Oxford Books, too.
By Edward
June 2, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
I can browse around Outwrite books in midtown (corner of Piedmont Rd and 10th St) for hours, sit and enjoy a nice latte while reading. It is also a great place to meet authors in a more personal setting. The staff are always helpful and they actually read what they sell.
By atlpaddy
June 2, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Viva Oxford Books!!
(also, the downtown Atlanta library has a very good archive of Georgia/Atlanta history)
By Peri
June 2, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
The Book Nook! I am great fan of buying used books and they have a huge selection of books (and CDs and DVDs, too) in many categories. Plus, they take trade-ins for credit.
By Sarah
June 2, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Book Nook - used to be on Clairmont but is now at the corner of North Druid Hills and Clairmont - great for a used store
By imatapper
June 2, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Bookmiser, A Used Bookstore, is a nice used bookstore in Roswell and Marietta. They have nice selections and give store credit for books that they need. They’ve also started selling some of the summer reading books for public middle and high schools nearby. Check them out!
By Writer_Dad
June 3, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this
Little Shop Of Stories is the perfect neighborhood book store. This whimsical book store is a must-visit if you’re a kid or the parent of one. (It also carries select adult titles.)
Pick up a book or two and then plop down in one of the overstuffed armchairs or curl up in a cozy nook.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable – and you definitely get the impression that the store is a labor of love.
Best of all, it shares space with Jake’s Ice Cream, where the tables are small enough to make you feel like you’re eating ice cream in a kindergarten class.
(http://littleshopofstories.com)
http://littleshopofstories.com/
By jgumbrecht_0508aa
June 3, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
hehehe, I LOVE that it’s called Little Shop of Stories! That’s one of the best book store names I’ve ever heard. Thanks Writer_Dad! And EVERYBODY!