Nestled in a shopping center in Locust Grove is a quaint bookstore where you can find quality new and used books and unique gifts. The cozy store offers fresh coffee and conversation with comfortable seating and lots of literary variety. The bookstore is hosting a celebration of Independent Bookstore Day to introduce book lovers to the store on April 30th.
Meet the owner of Birdsong Books, a Bookstore in Henry County
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Birdsong Books is the brainchild of Dr. Erica Atkins. Dr. Atkins taught for several colleges over the past 11 years and has also served in corporate training and development for the past decade. Her whole life's mission is focused on education and spreading knowledge. So, when the idea to open a community bookstore came to mind, she took the leap.
“I decided to spread my thirst for knowledge on a wider scale and touch our community through books,” shared Atkins. “I am an avid reader, love books, and enjoy sharing books and stories.”
In fact, if it weren’t for a bookstore, Dr. Atkins may not have been born. Her parents met in a bookstore in Mississippi. Her mother was the store manager and met her father when he came to do repairs on the bookstore.
Dr. Atkins is a strong advocate for literacy development which is a concerning issue in Georgia. In fact, 68 percent of low-income Georgians in the 4th grade are not proficient in reading. Because literacy affects the whole community, Birdsong offers gently used books as a low-cost option, along with popular new titles.
Finding the Right Book Can Open Up a Whole New World of Reading
“My focus is to place a book in our customer's hand that interest them and would encourage them to make it through to the end. Not just any book, but a book just for them based on what they like,” explains Atkins.
“I like to point people to genres they are most interested rather than what's forced. For many years, we go through school, are told what to read and sometimes we grow up not finding pleasure in reading because we haven’t discovered what we like to read,” continued Atkins.
For people who are not sure what types of books they would like, Dr. Atkins suggests trying out book clubs to get exposed to different types of genres that you may never choose on your own.
What to expect at Birdsong Books
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Customers can find affordable books at 40-80% off retail in genres ranging from children, young adult, Christian living, African America, fiction, and non-fiction. They can also trade in books for store credit.
Birdsong welcomes visitors to come explore its titles and sit and read over a cup of coffee. Shoppers looking for unique gifts can find a selection of items including mugs, stationary, puzzles, and more. Book lovers can also shop online or purchase gift cards. Birdsong even has curbside pickup and delivery service for customers who live in the area, fees may apply.
Dr. Atkins wants Birdsong Books to be a place to foster relationships in the community. The store hosts author signings, book clubs, and other instore events like its upcoming Independent Bookstore Day event.
Help Birdsong Books celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on April 30, 2022 from 10:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Independent Bookstore Day is a nationwide event to support small, independent (indie) bookstores. Birdsong books is hosting a free community event to introduce families to the shop. Throughout the day, there will be story times, crafts, food and more. Stop by and join in the fun!
Independent Bookstore Day Events
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. is story time
11:30 – 12:30 Crafts
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. story time
1:15 – 4:00 p.m. Painting (2 complimentary canvas paintings, $15 for each additional)
Food will be served all day.
Where: Birdsong Books, 650 Peeksville Rd., Locust Grove, GA 30248
Contact: 470-878-1339 or info@mybirdsongbooks.com
NOTE: If you are planning on coming, please let Birdsong Books know by registering here. You can still drop in even if you don’t register but it helps for planning purposes.
This article was sponsored by Birdsong Books. Visit our media kit if you'd like to learn more about sponsoring an article.
