Virginia Highland Books founder opened for business in 2021.
ATLANTA — Change is on the way as America prepares for President-Elect Donald Trump’s return to office.
A new president means new policies that have real impacts on real people. That’s why The Georgia Vote continues to work to keep the voices of everyday Georgians at the center of the political conversation.
In 11Alive’s Voice of the Voter segment this week, bookstore owner Sandy Huff shares her biggest worries and what she’s optimistic about as the nation prepares for Trump’s return to the White House.
Meet book store owner Sandy Huff
She owns and operates Virginia Highland Books in Atlanta’s Virginia Highland neighborhood. Huff said she was a stay-at-home mom when she saw a vacancy sign on the property in early 2021.
“Had no intention of not being a stay-at-home mom,” she said. “But as soon as I saw the space…[I knew] this should be a book store.”
Huff said her goal was to create a literature-focused community space.
“We have story time Tuesday mornings,” Huff said. “When you come in, this is filled with little kids and sometimes outside there will just be this whole lineup of strollers. So it’s very sweet.”
The secret to a good book?
“I think it has to pull you in to a different world,” said Huff. “It’s an escape for some people.”
Her biggest worries when casting her 2024 ballot
“I’m worried about banning books,” said the book shop owner. “I don’t want that to be… growing. It’s already kind of out there. I think we all need to be able to read.”
Huff said she’s also concerned about economic pressures on the book industry from large online booksellers.
“It’s a struggle for us to compete,” she said.
“I’m concerned about what’s going to happen if they’re going to be given free reign after the election,” Huff continued. “You know, big business being supported and small business kind of left by the side.”
What she hopes to see during the incoming Trump administration
“What I hope happens is that there is a way to find common ground,” said Huff. “I don’t know that there is. But I would love to be able to see a way for the parties to come together and solve problems.”
What she’s optimistic about
“No matter who is in power, I’m optimistic about individuals,” said Huff.
“The majority of people are good people and want to make a difference,” she added.
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