Some of us have a lot of books.  Some of us know a family member it that boat as well.  So, there comes a time in most people’s life where they have to unload some of their literary cache and there are oftentimes some questions as to where they will take these excess of literary treasures.   Now, it goes without saying there are places, like Goodwill, where you can take most anything and for some people this may be their first thought when it comes to getting rid of books.  However, looking around your community may produce some better ideas on how you can help someone or someplace, better…

Earlier this month we learned that the controversy surrounding a bookstore in Asheville, which was the site of a needle exchange program, was cited for violating zoning rules in the area.  WLOS reported that an agreement was reached between Firestorm Bookstore, the Steady Collective and the City of Asheville. Concerns for public health and the use of the space as a “homeless shelter” were main arguments against the program and it was said the services were in line with zoning violations because the bookstore was acting more like the city’s definition of a shelter.   It seems the agreement was reached (see more details at the link below) so the…

Yes, we believe in the power and usage of libraries.  However, there is another, oftentimes hidden, resource for book lovers that can be just as plentiful and beneficial as a library.  Used bookstores are small businesses first of all and for those of us with multiple shelves of books in our home, these resources are a saving grace, for numerous reasons.  Obviously, used books are cheap, and just as “Scrooge liked darkness because it was cheap”, so do we love our local businesses selling these hardbacks and paperbacks, all of which are gently used…most of the time.   Yet, no spectral visitors in the night will turn us off this…