For Keeps (bookstore)

For Keeps (stylized as For Keeps!) is a bookstore in Atlanta, Georgia, that specializes in Black classic and rare books. The shop opened in 2018 and is owned and operated by Rosa Duffy.[1]

History

Rosa Duffy was inspired to open the bookstore after reading her father's collection of the Black 1960s periodical SoulBook.[1] Her interest in Black literature was nurtured by her parents, graduates of Spelman College and Morehouse College. Duffy began collecting Black classic books at age 18 and planned to open the store after her personal book collection began to grow too large.[2][3]

For Keeps opened in November 2018 in the historically Black Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta.[1][4] The location was selected because the area was under threat of gentrification and Duffy wished to contribute to the neighborhood's Black identity.[2] Duffy found many books in the For Keeps collection at stores such as Strand Bookstore.

Founder

Rosa Duffy (born 1989) was born and raised in Atlanta.[1] Her father, Eugene Duffy, has worked with several of the city's Black mayors. Her sister, Josie Duffy Rice, is a journalist.[5] She attended The New School for her bachelor's degree.[5]

Inventory

For Keeps carries used and new books, although some of the books cannot be purchased and must be read in-store.[2][6] The rare book collection includes some first edition and out-of-print titles by authors like Alice Walker, Ralph Ellison, and Octavia Butler.[5] The store also has a reading room.[2]

Events are held at the store periodically.[1]

See also

References
  1. Wicker, Jewel (2018-11-16). "For Keeps, a shop for rare and classic black books, opens on Auburn Avenue". Atlanta Magazine. Retrieved 2020-01-25.
  2. Severson, Kim (2019-02-08). "Where Books Meet Black Mecca". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-01-25.
  3. "'People can come in, learn about themselves': Atlanta native opens bookstore filled with Black History". 11Alive.com. Retrieved 2020-05-05.
  4. February 12, Martel Sharpe | on; 2019 (2019-02-12). "#SupportLocalATL: For 'For Keeps' owner Rosa Duffy, an Auburn bookstore can unlock keys to community | The Atlanta Voice". The Atlanta Voice | Atlanta GA News. Retrieved 2020-05-05.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. "For Keeps! Atlanta's home for rare and classic black books". NBC News. Retrieved 2020-01-25.
  6. "For Keeps Bookstore: A Community Space In Historic Auburn Avenue Neighborhood". 90.1 FM WABE. 2019-01-15. Retrieved 2020-05-05.

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