Charis Books and More and Charis Circle records, 1974-2022 and undated

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Access note: Some audiovisual materials and electronic records require reformatting prior to use. Access restricted. Materials relating to the sale of Charis Corporation are restricted for a period...
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Charis Books and More
Abstract:
Charis Books and More, founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Ga., is the oldest feminist bookstore in the Southeast. Charis Circle is a non-profit organization founded in July 1996 that furthers the mission of the bookstore by offering free educational and cultural events and programs to the community. This collection documents the daily operation, programs, and mission of Charis Books and More and Charis Circle, and the interrelated nature of these two organizations. The financial records include those for Charis Books and More and Charis Circle. The ephemera include bookstore flyers and announcements, t-shirts, banners, framed posters, and book bags. There are also board minutes, log books, instructions, and reports for the bookstore, records for community programs (Sister Girls and Young Writers); poetry workshop materials for "Leaving Home, Becoming Home"; 2,500 photographs; and some digital materials. Acquired as part of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture.
Extent:
40 Linear Feet (62 boxes and 3 oversize folders)
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
RL.00214

Background

Scope and content:

Collection documents the day-to-day operation, programs, and mission of Charis Books and More and Charis Circle, and the interrelated nature of these two organizations. The financial records include those for Charis Books and More (1983-2001) and Charis Circle (1996-2003). The ephemera (1976-2004) include bookstore flyers and announcements, t-shirts, banners, framed posters, and book bags. There are also board minutes (1983-1988 and 1997-1998); log books (1984-2001); instructions and reports for the bookstore; records for community programs (Sister Girls and Gaia Girls, 1999-2000); poetry workshop materials for "Leaving Home, Becoming Home" ; 2,500 photographs and a DVD. There are also materials prepared for and at an event held at the Rare Book Room, 2005 Apr. 12: 10 file folders, approximately 12 items, including introductory materials and materials prepared by participants at the event. There are also administrative files and financial records, 1996-2005; clippings, 2004-2006; promotional material, 2004-2006; store log notebooks, 2003-2005; approximately 30 mounted photographs; correspondence, 2005-2006; zines; t-shirts. Also includes oversized material consisting of 17 posters; 1 collage mounted on wooden board; 3 posters with 30 mounted photographs; 10 laminated signs; 1 painted wooden sign. There are also administrative and programming materials for both Charis Books and More and the Charis Circle organization, many of which were created by Linda Bryant, a founding owner. Also includes newsletters, newspaper clippings, some posters, and a fabric banner. There are also two oversized foam-core posters from the Girls Speak Out/SisterGirls group based at Charis Books and More. There are also program fliers and planning materials for Charis Books and More as well as Charis Circle; also contains information about the Charis Board and its members, store log books and correspondence, some ephemera from the store's programming, news coverage, and fliers from other community events. Acquired as part of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture.

Biographical / historical:

Charis Books and More, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the oldest feminist bookstore in the Southeastern United States. The store was founded by Linda Bryant and Barbara Borgman in 1974 on Moreland Avenue, in Atlanta's Little Five Points neighborhood. Maya Smith joined as partner in 1977, and the store eventually formed an advisory board for making collective decisions. In 1994 the store moved to Euclid Ave., where it remained until 2019, when it partnered with Agnes Scott College and moved to South Candler St. in Decatur, Georgia. The store is owned by Sara Luce Look, who has worked at Charis since 1994, and Angela Gabriel, who joined as co-owner in 2005. Errol Anderson serves as Executive Director and Dartricia Rollins is the Assistant Director.

Charis Circle is a non-profit organization founded in July 1996 that furthers the mission of the bookstore by offering free educational and cultural events and programs to the community.

Acquisition information:
The Charis Books and More - Charis Circle Records were received by the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library as a purchase from 2005-2008, and as a gift in 2010, 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2022.
Processing information:

Processed by Megan E. Lewis, November 2010

Encoded by Meghan Lyon and Megan E. Lewis, November 2010

Updated by Megan E. Lewis, May 2016

Updated by Meghan Lyon, October 2022

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Access note: Some audiovisual materials and electronic records require reformatting prior to use.

Access restricted. Materials relating to the sale of Charis Corporation are restricted for a period of 30 years (2035). Contact the Director of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture for more information.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Charis Books and More and Charis Circle Records, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1mw3z