This mother-daughter photo was shot inside Charis Books and More in Little Five Points in 1997, but you might have witnessed a scene like this any time in the store's 35 year history. AJC file photo

New stories about the death book stores (and books, for that matter) pop up all the time, but rare is the long-lasting success story. We’re lucky to have one in our city, at Charis Books and More the little lavender mainstay off Moreland Avenue in Little Five Points.

The feminist book store and Charis Circle, a non-profit programming arm, will celebrate the store’s 35th year in business next month with readings, discussions and sales. The story has regular workshops and events, too, but I tend to spend my hours there browsing the bookshelves.

It’s not easy for Charis or any book store in those decades. A quick peek through the AJC archives revealed half a dozen Charis-centered “local bookshop beats the odds” stories over the years, detailing the store’s struggles to stay open.

The good news is that it has, so far. Seems like a reason to party. Here’s how:

7-9 p.m. Nov. 4: Atlanta Queer Literary Festival and Charis Birthday Kick-off Reception features performances by local poets, including emcee Lisa Allender, Malika, Krystal Tift, Alice Teeter, Louisa Merchant, Sharon Saunders, Sincere, Charlene Ball and Libby Ware. Free. Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta.

7:30 p.m. Nov. 5: “Founding the Future: A Conversation with Beverly Guy Sheftall and Gloria Steinem,” will be moderated by Alexis Pauline Gumbs. $35-$100. Georgia Tech Hotel, 800 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta.

7:30 p.m. Nov. 6: “Artists and Revolutionaries: The Transformative Power of Music and Words,” features performances and readings by Pearl Cleage, the Indigo Girls and Alice Walker. $35-$100. Hillside International Truth Center, 2450 Cascade Road S.W., Atlanta.

10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 7, noon-6 p.m. Nov. 8: Birthday party, book sale and author signing events will include discounts, refreshments and scheduled author signings. Free. Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta.

For instant updates, follow @insideaccess on Twitter.