Known as THE children’s bookstore within Decatur’s city limits and beyond, Little Shop of Stories has long been the go-to spot for parents when kids outgrow their most well-worn books or you find yourself in need of a great gift for a child.  But with the recent closing of adult-focused Wordsmiths Books, Little Shop now sees its opening into a broader market.

As far back as I can remember, Little Shop has had a smaller, smart, adult section amidst the rows of candy-colored book spines and undersized chairs.  But Dave Shallenberger says that in the coming months, that smaller, over-shadowed section will take on a new prominence.

“Growing our adult section is something we have wanted to do for a long, long time, but was put on hold when Wordsmiths came in. We’ve added a good number of adult titles already this month and more will be gradually coming in. Some kind of permanent signage will be going up in our window next month indicating that we have books for adults as well. We’ve started talking to publishers about working with them to bring in authors of adult books.”

And while the adult section may expand, Dave reassures us that the store will remain dedicated to its first love, children’s books.  “We want to retain our identity as being a great kid’s bookstore, but would love to be known for also being a real community bookstore.”

In a city where children are at the center of so many activities and conversations, creating a “community bookstore” with a strong emphasis on children’s books sounds right on target.

The AJC has a short Q&A with the producer of Paperback Dreams, a new documentary about the country’s independent bookstores that’s coming to Push Push Theater next Friday at 8pm.  The showing is sponsored by many Decatur and surrounding area

“Paperback Dreams,” released last month in California and already broadcast on several PBS stations, is making its way east this month. [editor's note: It doesn't look like its currently scheduled to air in Atlanta yet]

PushPush Theatre in Decatur will host a free screening at 8 p.m. on Nov. 21. The event is sponsored by several metro Atlanta bookstores, including A Cappella, Blue Elephant, Charis, Eagle Eye, Little Shop of Stories and Outwrite.

Read the full interview here.

Click here to view the film’s trailer.

Baby Got Books points out that it goes well-beyond Decatur, in a passionate cry to its audience…

Wordsmiths, in business for less than two years, has been instrumental in helping to create the lit scene that we all deserve here in Atlanta. No one in this town works harder to get authors in front of a crowd than the gang at Wordsmiths. No one. Their readings are always an event that may also feature local bands, national indie musicians, free hairpieces, local chefs, contests, prom backdrops, cupcakes, and – well, you never really know what else may happen. You can rest assured that an evening at a Wordsmiths reading is never going be boring. How good is Wordsmiths programming? New York Times-worthy. Don’t take my word for it. Check out Wordsmiths’ Flickr photostream. Then remind yourself that all of that action is taking place in a bookstore….

I love what Wordsmiths is all about. I think that they have hit upon the winning formula for selling books in the digital age while also creating a literary community. They’ve made going to the bookstore cool again. Bottom line: there is always something happening (or about to happen) at Wordsmiths. I’m sure that we’ll all survive if Wordsmiths disappears from our landscape – but we’ll all be the poorer for it.

Over on the Wordsmiths blog, Zach links to all the blogs/newspapers that have already posted on their campaign. And as someone somewhere already pointed out, if you’re against donating to the store but appreciate its contribution, you could still go purchase a book or two at full-price. Or buy a $10, $50, $100 or $500 Friends of Wordsmiths membership. Then the store makes a profit up front and you get benefits going forward.

Wordsmiths has lots going on this weekend in celebration of its first anniversary.

For all the details go straight to the horse’s mouth: Wordsmiths’ “official” First Anniversary press release

With all that’s going on I might recommend just camping out on the Square for the weekend, but I suspect bonfires and sleeping under the Civil War monument are illegal.

InDecatur notes that Little Shop of Stories opened in its new, larger location in the Starbucks building today, above next to Vivid Boutique (in the old Adams Realty space).

A post on the shop’s blog says “The new store will have larger sections for kid’s nonfiction, picture books, YA and so much more.”, but villainishly refuses to post pictures.

Can’t wait to check it out!

QUESTION: Does that giant metal frog have a name?