Here's the link for Creative Loafing's Best of Atlanta List.

Hello Old Friends and New Visitors,

Welcome to our new & improved website. We hope you enjoy its look and find it easy to navigate. This June marks the 35th Anniversary of Book Exchange. Can you believe it!?! We're so happy to have reached this milestone and plan on celebrating to prove it.

We've invited new authors as well as some favorites from previous visits to be part of our upcoming events. Be sure to check our website often for the latest information on upcoming events and activities.

if you find yourself spending many an hour on Facebook these days (not that I would ever do such a thing!) why not join our fan page there? Simply click the Facebook icon at the bottom right of this page – you’ll find lots of news, events and other items of interest posted there.

We understand that, in this day and age, you have many choices available to you for purchasing and acquiring books -- online sites, through your wireless devices, big box retailers, etc. -- yet you've still continued to visit and support this local bookseller -- Book Exchange is your “Mall-ternative”!  Whether it's through attending one of our events, joining our bookclub, donating to various food or children's book collections, or everyday shopping, you've returned and brought others to the store and we now know many of you by name.

We deeply appreciate your business, and try to deliver the best possible service to each and every customer. In fact, per numerous customer requests, we've even included here on our website a page devoted to recipes for some of the delicious dishes and treats served at our various author events -- just another "taste" of the personalized service we deliver!

Have you ever thought about how much of a vested interest you, your friends and neighbors have in the success of local businesses? Did you know that, when you shop at an independently owned business, your entire community benefits in many ways?

The Economy

• Spend $100 at a local business and $68 of that amount stays in your community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43.
• Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for your neighbors.
• More of your tax dollars are reinvested in your community -- where they belong.

The Environment

• Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify the local environment.

The Community

• Local retailers are your friends and neighbors—support them and they’ll support you.
• Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.
• More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.

Today I looked out at our parking lot and up beyond to Canton Rd. These days there are fewer cars in our parking lot and lighter traffic up on the road. Many businesses on this road as well as in our shopping center have closed. In spite of this I remain hopeful that new & different shops will move in and fill the needs of our community. I’m also hopeful that we will remain a vibrant part of this business community for many years to come.

Warm regards,

Cathy Blanco/Owner