Decatur has three locally-owned, independent bookstores— Brave + Kind, Charis Books & More, and Little Shop of Stories – and we can’t say enough good things about them. All three neighborhood shops are owned and operated by women, and each intentionally selects books to inspire readers of all ages, promote community and make the world a better place.
1. Brave + Kind Books
💪🏾Owned by Bunnie Hilliard
📍722 W College Ave.
@braveandkindbooks
Cozy and colorful, Brave + Kind is a neighborhood book shop with a handpicked selection of inclusive children’s literature, YA, and a few grown-up books. Beautifully illustrated picture books transport kids into a world of imagination and discovery. Each story is selected to inspire bravery and kindness everyday
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2. Charis Books & More
💪Co-owned by Angela Gabriel and Sara Look
📍184 S Candler St.
@charisbooksandmore
Charis Books & More, a legendary institution in Atlanta’s literary landscape, has been advocating for social justice and promoting marginalized voices for decades. The feminist bookstore was established in Little Five Points in 1974 making it the South’s Oldest Independent Feminist Bookstore. In 2019 Charis made the shift to Decatur and became a partner of Agnes Scott College. (Look for the house with the purple door across from campus!)
The store specializes in feminist and cultural studies books, books on anti-racism and ending white supremacy, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer fiction and non-fiction.
Ongoing events like Trans & Friends and LGBTQ+ book club provide spaces for important conversations and Q/T Board Game nights offer safe casual social time.
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3. Little Shop of Stories
💪Co-owned by Diane Capriola
📍133 E Court Square
@littleshopofstories
Decatur’s oldest bookstore beckons readers of all ages. The award-winning shop specializes in children’s and young adult literature, and the space reflects their dedication to nurturing a love of reading among their littlest visitors! Venture to the back and you’ll find a miniature Platform 9 3/4. Kiddos can disappear through the “secret” tunnel and emerge inside the world of Goodnight Moon. The rest of the store is just as bright and joy-filled. Take a close look at the copper floor! It’s made up of thousands of laboriously glued pennies.
Wander the rows and you’ll find staff picks sticking out from every shelf. These are handwritten reviews are made by employees on a weekly basis.
Story hours, book clubs, and interactive events ensuring that the love of reading is passed down through and cherished by generations. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m is storytime!
In an age when bookstores are increasingly rare, Decatur’s trio of brick-and-mortar literary sanctuaries are three good reasons to book it to Decatur.
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In an age when bookstores are increasingly rare, Decatur’s trio of brick-and-mortar literary sanctuaries are three good reasons to book it to Decatur.