For Sale: EAV's Bound to Be Read Books

The East Atlanta Village independent bookstore Bound To Be Read Books has been put on the market. Owner Jeff McCord recently notified book lovers and fans of the EAV destination space that after eight years of business, it’s time for him to step aside.

Will you miss Bound To Be Read Books? What memorable signings, book club meetings, poetry readings, or other events did you attend there?

Here’s the letter McCord sent to friends of the bookstore:

When we first opened, we had a gentleman who would come into the store every six months or so and tell me that the store would never last for long.  He never bought anything, of course, and he eventually stopped coming in after about the third year. 

Thankfully, we can count the pessimists and critics on one hand, and I have always been extremely proud and humbled by the support that you -- our customers, friends and neighbors -- have given us.  This is a dream job for me, and I have loved every minute of it. 

Of course, everyone knows that this is a challenging time for bookstores everywhere. That doesn't mean that things are hopeless, or that bookstores are all doomed.  I don't believe that. 

There are still successful bookstores around and - even with the increasing ubiquity of electronic media and glowing devices - there will always be a need for bookstores. There are many attributes of a physical bookstore that simply cannot be enjoyed online - a community that author Tom Perrotta calls "vital, real-life literary culture." 

Certainly, the challenges of running a successful bookstore have increased greatly in recent years.  I am definitely not one to run away from challenges.  I love the problem-solving and creativity required to keep a business going, even during the recent worst recession in a generation. 

Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, I have come to realize that if Bound To Be Read Books is going to continue for the next 8 years, it will have to be under the management of a new owner.

This has been a difficult decision, but I would be delighted to see a new owner take Bound To Be Read Books to the next level and make it a successful store in the "new economy."  We are advertising the bookstore for sale in an effort to keep it going as the vibrant community resource that it has been for the past 8 years. 

With proper stewardship and devotion, Bound To Be Read Books can continue to offer Atlanta a great place to get good books. It can continue to be a community resource supporting the local economy in the opposite way that internet retailers take money out of the local community.

Please help us spread the word that we are looking for a new owner.  If you have questions, I would be happy to talk to you in person and share how I believe this bookstore can be a successful and viable operation for the next 8 years and beyond. 

Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and the friendship you have shown us. Our customers are the best, and we love you! 

With best wishes,  

Jeff