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| Bob Roarty and Jan Bolgia | |
Bob Roarty, co-owner of Atlanta Vintage Books, a used and rare bookstore located near DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta, Ga., died September 30. He was 72. The Journal-Constitution reported that Roarty "turned an Atlanta bookstore into a treasure trove and a community meeting space where lovers of reading could fall asleep in overstuffed chairs with classics on their laps and in tucked-away corners surrounded by cats--occasionally long enough to be locked inside after closing hour."
"He was the most voracious reader I've ever met," said Jan Bolgia, his wife and business partner. He would bring home books on all different genres. He was just interested in everything, and he ended up in a great place."
After purchasing the shop in 2007, Roarty and Bolgia "greatly expanded the inventory of the rare bookstore... and made it more approachable, fostering a 'community space' atmosphere where customers could make themselves at home and consult with employees who knew books.... Atlanta Vintage Books evolved into a store that sells everything from $1 paperbacks in the basement to rare first editions, often signed," the Journal-Constitution noted.
Dana Teft, a customer, described Roarty as "a gentle, kind, genuine person. Anytime I talked with him, I always felt better about things."
In an Facebook post, Bolgia wrote: "I want to thank everyone for the heartfelt messages, cards and emails we have received. Bob was so special to all of us and we will miss him every day. I truly appreciate your kind words. The eighteen years that Bob and I spent at the bookstore brought us so much joy. It brings me comfort to know that this joy has spread throughout our wonderful bookstore community."