The Book Worm: Growing Stories and Community in Powder Springs

Quaint. Charming. Resilient.

Nestled in the historic downtown Powder Springs corridor, The Book Worm has stood strong and defiant since 2005 — through recessions, a pandemic, and the rise of Amazon. This beloved independent bookstore is on a mission to diversify the used book market — and plant some gardens along the way.

In 2020, owner Julia Davis boldly left her corporate career to take over the shop from its founder. Owning a bookstore had always been a dream, though she never imagined it would come to life quite this way.

A milestone birthday trip to Paris with her son sparked the change. While wandering the streets of the City of Light, the lifelong bibliophile stepped into Shakespeare & Co., one of the world’s most iconic bookstores. The experience lit a fire in her, and with encouragement from her son, she decided to make her dream a reality back home.

Since taking ownership, Davis has transformed The Book Worm into a vibrant community hub. For her, the store represents more than a small business — it’s a place that celebrates literacy, fosters belonging, and offers a 30,000-book inventory where readers of every background can see themselves reflected.

With about 60% of the inventory made up of used books, Davis is especially focused on expanding access to Black and Brown authors and creating a welcoming destination for local residents.

Her community focus deepened after meeting Bethany Mashini, executive director of My Green Earth, at a planting and education event in Austell. There, Davis was inspired by the organization’s mission — and by the passionate teaching of MGE’s Natural Resource Manager, Dajawn Williams.

“Dajawn’s amazing knowledge and passion for his work gave me the idea to start a learning ‘story garden’ at The Book Worm,” Julia shared. “With the help of a customer’s husband — who happened to be a master gardener — and plants and supplies from My Green Earth, we created a place where readers can enjoy their selections surrounded by a beautiful garden.”

Running a small, sustainable business isn’t easy, Davis admits, but she encourages

others not to give up. “Use your resources — there’s a village of supporters around you,” she said. “The ‘no’s’ aren’t the end. Keep going.”

Shopping online may be convenient, but shopping local strengthens our communities and supports local jobs. This Small Business Saturday, consider visiting your neighborhood stores — and maybe even gifting a few recycled masterpieces.

Learn more about The Book Worm and its growing story at the bookwormonline.com.