Local, independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.

This week, we’re featuring The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, Georgia!

What’s the story behind The Book Worm Bookstore?

The Book Worm first opened in October 2005. Julia Davis took ownership in November 2020 when the former owner retired. Taking over during the middle of the pandemic, Davis' passion for promoting self-love and literacy has become the foundation of The Book Worm.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

What makes The Book Worm Bookstore special?

"Where love is shared as much as stories" is The Book Worm motto. Customers often refer to us as a place of refuge, a place where everyone is welcomed and are encouraged to learn about others. We are sensory inclusive certified and focus on bringing our community together through literacy. From city-wide reads to our partnership with the Mayor's Reading club, our unique events help bridge the literacy gap. We are also proud to have been one of the "Best of Georgia Bookstores" 2022 winners.

What's your favorite section in the store?

My favorite section in the store is our "What book changed your life?" Board. One of our customers created a special piece for the store and we built around it. Customers leave not only book recommendations, but the feeling they get from coming to The Book Worm. I love seeing customers reading the board before adding. We love to hear that we purchased a particular book based on something someone wrote.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

"The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks" by Shauna Robinson. It is one of my favorite stories. It is about a struggling independent bookstore where the owner's friend comes up with a series of underground events to help save the store.

Independent Bookstores are so important to their local communities and not only is this book a fun story but it helps shed some light on some of the struggles we face. It has become a Book Worm customer favorite.  We even hosted a similar event with the author.

What books or series are you most excited about coming out in the next few months and why?

"Before We Say Goodbye," the fourth book in the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. We have read the first three books as book club reads and loved talking about the differences in each book. Finding out who we would visit if we could go back in time. Of course, what better way for us to discuss than with our own coffee-themed events for each book club?

What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?

In April, in partnership with Powder Springs Library and the City of Powder Springs, The Book Worm will host The Book Worm Book Fest. A weeklong celebration of literacy with author panels, signings and events. We will have an Independent Bookstore Panel of five Georgia bookstores highlighting not only the stores they represent but the importance of shopping your local indie. There will also be a Mayor's Reading Club panel, Mystery theme event, and writing challenge. The fest will end with our One Book One City discussion with Dr. Ian Smith and his latest book "The Overnights."