What sets Virginia Highland Books apart as an independent bookstore? Nestled in the heart of the historic Virginia-Highlands neighborhood in Atlanta, this unique bookstore stands out for its charming location on the corner of Virginia and N. Highland Avenues. Surrounded by a picturesque and walkable family-friendly area, Virginia Highland Books exudes a small-town vibe amidst the bustling city atmosphere of Atlanta.
The bookstore’s two-story building boasts a cozy and inviting ambiance with features such as exposed brick, aged hardwood floors, and an aesthetically pleasing staircase perfect for Instagram snaps. Housed within a century-old structure, the store is meticulously curated to showcase a diverse collection of books spanning various genres, along with puzzles, games, journals, gifts, and locally crafted art pieces. Customers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the experience by grabbing a cup of coffee from one of the six nearby coffee shops and then spending quality time perusing the shelves, engaging in literary discussions with the knowledgeable staff, or unwinding in the inviting window seat reading nook.
Adding to the bookstore’s appeal are the well-received storytime sessions and book clubs, led by a dedicated team comprising a volunteer preschool teacher, a retired English educator, and a college professor. The popularity of these events is such that waitlists have become a common occurrence, underscoring the strong community engagement fostered by Virginia Highland Books.
Owner Sandra Huff, when asked about her favorite section of the store, aptly likens it to choosing a favorite child, emphasizing the unique charm each segment holds. She expresses her fondness for the vibrant Children’s area, where the joy of young readers discovering new books is palpable, and parents bond with their children over shared stories. As a fiction enthusiast, Sandra finds solace in the extensive fiction collection, often losing herself in the shelves while uncovering hidden literary treasures to add to her own to-be-read list. Additionally, she highlights the allure of the lower level housing the nonfiction and classics, particularly enjoying the art books and culinary inspirations found in the cookbook selection. Sandra also takes delight in witnessing visitors captivated by the store’s ambiance, as they pause to capture the moment with a quick snapshot, a sight that never fails to bring a smile to her face.
Emphasizing the significance of supporting local, independent bookstores, Virginia Highland Books underscores the challenges posed by e-commerce giants like Amazon, whose competitive pricing threatens the survival of traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. The bookstore relies on the steadfast backing of the community to sustain its operations and preserve the invaluable experience of browsing physical shelves while savoring a cup of coffee—a quintessential aspect that distinguishes local bookstores from their online counterparts.
Looking ahead, Virginia Highland Books offers an array of engaging events, programs, and partnerships to enrich the literary landscape for its patrons.