In the heart of Historic Downtown Powder Springs, where the charm of independently owned businesses meets the relentless pace of modern development, a beloved bookstore is fighting to preserve its place, purpose and legacy. For 25 years, The Book Worm has been a staple in the community. One of the few lasting businesses on the street.  In 2020, amid the turbulence of a global pandemic, I purchased The Book Worm in the hopes of not only keeping it in the community, but to create a place where everyone who walked in could see themselves in a book.

Growing up I was not always able to see myself in a book. I was always pointed to an “African American” section which was just a few shelves.  I remember telling myself I was going to one day own a store where not only would I be able to find books all over the store that looked like me, but everyone who walked in would feel welcomed and see themselves in a book. The Book Worm was going to be a place of refuge.  Keeping the name but rebranding to my own and building a community not only of book lovers, but a community that could learn from each other. A place where tough conversations could be had and friendships could be made.

Since taking ownership, the downtown areas has seen significant changes. Luxury apartments have been built, bringing construction disruptions that tested businesses' resilience. In the middle of trying to make it through a pandemic and then construction, I built the community I always wanted for readers.  A place for laughter, learning and friendship.  Even in the midst of the construction, in the midst of a pandemic, the small businesses tried everything we could to make it through. All of our dreams on the line. November 2024 began year five for me and in that time I've seen businesses open and those same businesses close. Challenges upon challenges, but I continued to follow God’s plan for me and work to bring the community together through literacy.  The Story Garden was soon to be born. The idea The Book Worm team had been working on for over a year would finally become a reality. So I thought.

The city announced plans for a retail space that threatens to overshadow our bookstore, both literally and figuratively.

In 2023, I envisioned a story garden—a sanctuary for outdoor reading, learning, and community gatherings. A place for not only reading, but grabbing produce and herbs along the way. I proposed using an adjacent unused green space, with the city initially signaling support by saying that a lease was being drafted and even approving a matching grant which they knew was for the garden's development. But at the beginning of 2024, those plans were upended when the city decided to develop the land themselves, incorporating some of our ideas but largely taking control away.

Undeterred, The Book Worm team embarked on creating a story garden on The Book Worm property, supported by generous customer donations and expertise from a local master gardener. However, our efforts faced another hurdle when a city staff recommendation opposed our wooden fence, citing aesthetic concerns, despite the planning and zoning department having no objections.

Now, the city seeks an easement on our property, jeopardizing the story garden by proposing a wooden deck and walls that starkly contrast with our community-focused vision. As we navigate these challenges, we remain committed to advocating for our community's needs and preserving the bookstore as a cherished local institution. Your support and voices are more crucial than ever as we continue this journey together.

Independent bookstores like The Book Worm are safe havens, and the fight to preserve them is more crucial than ever.

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