Common Ground Books, a LGBT+ and feminist bookstore in Tallahassee, Fla., held a grand opening celebration on Saturday and is now fully up and running, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
Owner Alex Spencer opened the store in a very limited capacity in early June so as not to miss Pride Month, but the store is now open for business six days per week. Located in a historic house in downtown Tallahassee, the store stocks more than 2,000 titles for children, teens and adults; about 90% of them are LGBT+-related. There is an emphasis on local writers as well, and Spencer's non-book inventory includes art and gifts made by local craftspeople.
Spencer told the Democrat that "you don't have to be gay to visit Common Ground Books; we're open to everyone, but I'm hoping it will evolve into a hub and community gathering space for the LGBT+ community."
Starting in September Common Ground Books will be home to a monthly drag queen story hour, and she'll host a launch party for the anthology Rumors, Secrets & Lies (Anhinga Press) in November. Beyond those already scheduled events, Spencer plans to start hosting "open mic nights, book clubs, occasional movie nights, game nights and craft nights." Spencer is already partnering with the local PFLAG chapter and is looking to work with other groups in the community.
"I've always loved books," said Spencer. "They not only create an escape from reality when you need it, but books can also help give you a different perspective you might not understand otherwise. They can help you find common ground if you will. Ever since I was a teenager, my big dream was to own a bookstore."