04/18/2026
From Janet:
I’m closing the Avid Bookshop storefront at the end of this month, 6 months shy of our fifteenth anniversary. My health is at the heart of this decision: I am burned out and have been for years. Even on my best days, I live with undercurrents of stress and anxiety that drag me down. Until fairly recently, I could muster through, pulling out all the stops to complete even the most dreaded work tasks. That talent has left me.
I. am. exhausted.
What’s hard is that my ideas are as vibrant as ever, my desires for what Avid could be remain vivid and meaningful. What’s especially hard is knowing that, at least for now, I’m bidding farewell to the particularly magical conversations that have continued to make Avid a special place in all its iterations.
We’ll continue with our online stores (avidbookshop.com and bookshop.org), occasional events, and book clubs, though the gatherings will take place at other Athens venues (TBA). Our website will have details as they’re available.
I don’t know if I’ll open another storefront in the future or not. I am so burned out; I recognize that I shouldn’t make big decisions or declarations about, well, anything at this point.
There’s a modicum of relief in this moment, but mostly grief and no small amount of regret as I recognize the many ideas that can’t come to fruition just yet. Through the sadness, I feel proud of myself for making a bold choice to take care of my health and wellbeing. That, in turn, will help me care for Avid. (Incidentally, closing now—before I overwork and grind myself to an even lower point—gives Avid the best shot at coming back in some form someday, if that’s what fate has in store.)
📚Our last day will be Sunday, 4/26. Starting now, almost everything—bookcases, furniture, slatwall, easels, chairs, supplies, and more—will be for sale.
📚Gift cards can be used in-store through 4/26, or at AvidBookshop.com.
📚If you have a special order on file that won’t be available until after 4/26, we’ll send you instructions on where and how to pick up your books(s).
📚Subscribers, you’ve been waiting to hear from us. We’ll be sending out an email to you all soon.
I love books. I love Athens. I love you. Thank you for giving me this dream job. It has meant the world to me.
Love,
Janet Geddis, owner/founder
Avid Bookshop
