|
|
| Charis Books' current location | |
Charis Books & More "ends a 45-year chapter" in Atlanta's Little Five Points neighborhood this Saturday with a closing party. The independent feminist bookstore will be reopening in its new space at 184 South Candler Street in Decatur on April 1 in a renovated building owned by Agnes Scott College.
The move "caps a five-year journey that started with a community listening tour connected to the bookstore's 40th birthday," Project Q Atlanta reported.
E.R. Anderson, executive director of the nonprofit Charis Circle, said as a result of that tour, they understood that selling the Little Five Points building and moving was necessary for Charis's future. Nevertheless, "the spirit of Little Five Points is in Charis's DNA." The bookstore opened on Moreland Avenue in Little Five Points in 1974, then moved to Euclid Avenue in 1994.
"I hope the neighborhood will remember what we brought to it," Anderson said. "But there's also much to be said about making a fresh start. We have the opportunity to really finally ensure that Charis will be around for the next 45 years through this partnership with Agnes Scott and that is something we could not pass up."
 |
|
| Charis Books' future home. | |
Since announcing the move in 2016, Charis has been working with Agnes Scott to renovate the structure that will be its new home. A capital campaign generated $250,000 for the project, with donors including Agnes Scott, a handful of family foundations and wealthy donors, and "literally thousands" of Charis fans who donated $10 to $100 each, Anderson added.
Charis will lease the property from Agnes Scott rent free. The goal for the new location is to mimic the open and inviting feel of the Euclid Avenue store.
"Our guiding words for the design were organic, homey, welcoming and fresh and I think we have achieved that," Anderson noted. "We will have a front porch where people can chat with friends or have a small book club. We're also making plans for a meditation garden with seating under the big magnolia tree in back."
Charis will host a grand reopening party on April 27 for Independent Bookstore Day.