A Book Above, one of Atlanta's last remaining independent bookstores, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month with a series of author readings, community events, and a crowdfunding campaign to expand into the adjacent storefront. Owner Margaret Daniels opened the shop in 1996 and has weathered the rise of Amazon, a pandemic, and multiple rent increases to remain a fixture of the Virginia-Highland commercial district.
The anniversary celebration includes readings from Georgia authors Tayari Jones and Jesmyn Ward, a children's story hour with local illustrators, and a "blind date with a book" promotion running through the end of March. Daniels said the events have drawn attention from book lovers across the metro area.
The expansion campaign, which has raised $87,000 of its $120,000 goal, would add a dedicated children's section, a small cafe, and event space capable of hosting 50 people for readings and signings. "Thirty years in indie bookselling is practically unheard of," Daniels said. "This neighborhood has kept us alive, and we want to give back by creating an even better gathering space."