DACS

charisbooks Inventory of Charis Books and More and Charis Circle, 1974-2008 Processed by: Megan E. Lewis; machine-readable finding aid created by: Megan E. Lewis Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library Duke University Durham, N.C., USA

Aleph Number: 003442760

Machine-readable finding aid derived from XML authoring program. Date of source: September 2010Processed by Megan E. Lewis, September 2010; finding aid encoded by Megan E. Lewis, Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University, September 2010 Description is in English Finding aid was prepared using DACS and local Style Guide Inventory of the Charis Books and More, 1974-2007 Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27708-0185 USA

Descriptive Summary Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University Charis Books Charis Books and More and Charis Circle records, 1974-2008 and undated Material in English 31.5 Linear Feet 23,625 Items For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog. Charis Books and More, founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Ga., is the oldest feminist bookstore in the Southeast, and Charis Circle is a non-profit organization founded in July 1996 that furthers the mission of the bookstore by offering free educational and cultural events and programs to the community. Collection documents the day-to-day operation, programs, and mission of Charis Books and More and Charis Circle, and the interrelated nature of these two organizations. The financial records include those for Charis Books and More and Charis Circle. The ephemera include bookstore flyers and announcements, t-shirts, banners, framed posters, and book bags. There are also board minutes, log books, instructions, and reports for the bookstore, records for community programs (Sister Girls and Young Writers); poetry workshop materials for "Leaving Home, Becoming Home" ; 2,500 photographs; and a DVD. Acquired as part of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture. Administrative Information Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research; however, material related to sale of Charis Corporation is restricted for 30 years.

In addition, patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library to use this collection.

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Charis Books, Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University.

Provenance

The Charis Books and More - Charis Circle Records were received by the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library as a purchase from 2005-2008, and as a gift in 2010.

Processing Information

Processed by Megan E. Lewis, November 2010

Encoded by Meghan Lyon and Megan E. Lewis, November 2010

Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.

This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.

Historical Note

Charis Books and More, founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Ga., is the oldest feminist bookstore in the Southeast. Charis Circle is a non-profit organization founded in July 1996 that furthers the mission of the bookstore by offering free educational and cultural events and programs to the community.

Collection Overview

Collection documents the day-to-day operation, programs, and mission of Charis Books and More and Charis Circle, and the interrelated nature of these two organizations. The financial records include those for Charis Books and More (1983-2001) and Charis Circle (1996-2003). The ephemera (1976-2004) include bookstore flyers and announcements, t-shirts, banners, framed posters, and book bags. There are also board minutes (1983-1988 and 1997-1998); log books (1984-2001); instructions and reports for the bookstore; records for community programs (Sister Girls and Gaia Girls, 1999-2000); poetry workshop materials for "Leaving Home, Becoming Home" ; 2,500 photographs and a DVD. There are also materials prepared for and at an event held at the Rare Book Room, 2005 Apr. 12: 10 file folders, approximately 12 items, including introductory materials and materials prepared by participants at the event. There are also administrative files and financial records, 1996-2005; clippings, 2004-2006; promotional material, 2004-2006; store log notebooks, 2003-2005; approximately 30 mounted photographs; correspondence, 2005-2006; zines; t-shirts. Also includes oversized material consisting of 17 posters; 1 collage mounted on wooden board; 3 posters with 30 mounted photographs; 10 laminated signs; 1 painted wooden sign. There are also administrative and programming materials for both Charis Books and More and the Charis Circle organization, many of which were created by Linda Bryant, a founding owner. Also includes newsletters, newspaper clippings, some posters, and a fabric banner. There are also two oversized foam-core posters from the Girls Speak Out/SisterGirls group based at Charis Books and More. There are also program fliers and planning materials for Charis Books and More as well as Charis Circle; also contains information about the Charis Board and its members, store log books and correspondence, some ephemera from the store's programming, news coverage, and fliers from other community events. Acquired as part of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture.

Subject Headings

These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.

Bryant, Linda. Charis Books and More. Charis Circle. Feminists--United States. Bookstores, etc. Women in the book industries and trade--United States. Women political activists--United States. Women's bookstores--Georgia--Atlanta. Color photographs. DVDs. Ephemera. Newsletters. Posters. Detailed Description of Collection Administrative Files Series, 1979-2008 (5 boxes)

Consists of materials that document the founding of Charis Books and More, Charis Circle, and the management of both organizations.

Arranged in original order as received.

1Bylaws, 1979-1986 (2 folders) Correspondence, 1997-2003 Merchandising, 2000 Speeches, 2002-2006 Feminist Bookstore News, 1995-2000 Feminist Bookstore Strategic Planning Conference, 1994 Feminist Bookstore Network, 1994-1997 Professional literature, 1994-1995 Professional development, 1994-2002 Staff meetings, 1993-2002 (2 folders) Store management, 2002 and undated American Bookseller's Association, 2002 2Charis Circle Board meeting minutes, 2003-2004 Meeting minutes and bylaws, 2001-2006 Sale of Charis Corporation Personnel matters, undated Board meeting minutes, 2004-2007 (2 folders) Administrative and planning materials, 2006-2008 3Meeting notes, undated Correspondence, 1984-2006 (3 folders) Archives decision, 2003-2004 Merchandising, 1984-2003 Charis Circle Annual Report, 2003 Charis Circle Board Meetings, 1997-2002 Awards, 1997-2002 4Charis Circle Board Meetings, 1995-2003 (5 folders) Charis Circle bylaws, mission statement, undated Charis Circle mailing list, 1996 Charis Circle strategic planning, 2000 5Board of directors meeting and notes, 2002-2005 (2 folders) Board of directors retreat, 2003 Board of directors retreat, 2005 Board of directors background materials, 2002 Board member information and events, 2000-2002 Strategic plan, 1983 Strategic plan and Search conference, 2000-2001 Strategic plan, 2005 Related organizations, 2003-2005 Charis Circle newsletters, 2000-2007 Charis Circle information, 2007 Board member profiles, 2003 Financial Records Series, 1977-2007 and undated (8 boxes)

Contains the financial records for both Charis Books and More and Charis Circle. It includes budgets, ledger sheets, insurance information and financial statements.

Arranged in original order as received.

6Financial information, 1989-1993 Insurance information, 1993-1994 (2 folders) Ledger sheets, 1987-1991 Financial information, 1987-1991 Financial information, 1989-1993 Financial statements, 1993-1997 7Invoices, 1998-1999 Budgets, taxes, business licenses, 1994-2001 Grant applications, 1995-2000 Insurance, 1984-1990 Property maintenance, 1993 Financial information, 1995-1998 Ledger sheets, 1997-1999 Financial information, 1999 8Ledger sheets, 1997 Ledger sheets, 1998-1999 (4 folders) Book orders, 1998-1999 Financial information, 1997-1998 Bank statements, 1997 Financial information, 1997 Charis Circle receipts, 2000 Charis Circle bills and deposits, 2000 Charis Circle financial information, 1997 Charis Circle financial statements, 1997-1998 9Financial information, 1995-2001 Property appraisals, 1997-2001 Tax information, 1993-1999 Bank statements, invoices, 1998 (2 folders) Bank statements, invoices, 1999 Financial information, 1977-1996 Accounts payable ledger, 1993-1994 10Proposed sales agreement, 2005 Financial information, 2001-2002 Financial information, 2007 Budget, 2002-2005 Financial statements, 1991-1995 (2 folders) Financial information, 2000-2002 Net worth report, 1997 11Ledger sheets, 1994-1998 12Ledger sheets, 1995-1998 13Financial management seminar, 2003 Non-profit salary information, undated Fund raising, 1996-1999 Fund raising, 2005 Development, 1995-1998 Charis Circle fund raising 1995-2005 Benefit auction, 1993 Benefit auction, 1994 Auction bids, undated Fund raising event, 2003 Fund raising displays, undated Store Operations Records, 1984-2005 and undated (4 boxes)

These materials consist of store log books, calendars and other records documenting the daily operations of Charis Books and More.

14Log books, 1984-1998 15Log books, 1998-2001 16Log books, 2001-2003 Store calendars, 1999-2002 (4 folders) Register instructions, 1987 and undated 17Log books, 2003-2005 Publicity Series, 1979-2009 and undated (6 boxes)

These materials consist of clippings of Charis in the news, Charis print advertisements, Charis Circle newsletters, catalogs, store publicity, and files of promotional materials from vendors.

Arranged in original order as received.

18Store publicity, 1996-2002 Original art for publicity, undated Book reviews, undated Catalogs and fliers, 1988 Book lists and catalogs, undated Author publicity material, 2002 and undated (2 folders) Creative Loafing advertising rates, undated 19Promotional materials, 2001-2007 (2 folders) Clippings, 1983-2006 Clippings, 2005-2007 (3 folders) Clippings, 2008-2009 Web site development, 2004 Outreach opportunities, 2003-2004 Book lists, 2004 20Publicity, 2005 Book merchandising, 2005-2006 Charis Circle newsletters, 2005-2007 Magazine articles on Charis, 2006-2007 Print advertisements, 2005 Email publicity printouts, 2007 Book lists, 1995-2005 Publicity and press releases, 2005-2007 Newspaper clippings, 2002 21Publicity, 1997-2002 (contains audio CD) Charis Circle newsletters, 1996-2000 Store publicity, 1988-2004 Clippings, 1979-1994 Charis Circle brochure and fact sheets, 2002 Feminist bookstore catalogs, 1993-1994 Press releases, publicity, 1993-1996 Bookstore and programming publicity, 1997-2000 (2 folders) 22-23Vendor files, 1988-1994 Events and Programming, 1976-2007 (10 boxes)

Materials generated by community events produced by Charis Books and More and Charis Circle include fliers, press releases and author/artist information.

Arranged in original order as received.

24Charis birthday party fliers, 1976-1978 Events, 1989-1990 Rhythm Fest, 1991 Author and musician promotional materials, 1991-1993 Events, 1991-1999 25th anniversary celebration, 1999 Events, 2000-2002 Word Weavers program, undated Programming development, 1992-2002 25Program flyers, 1988-2003 Event flyers, 1992-2001 Event flyers, 1986-1991 Program information, 1996-2004 Program development materials, 1996-2000 26Events, 1984 Program development and artist publicity, 2001-2002 Programs, 2001 Programming development, 2002 Ongoing programs, 2003 Programs, 2004 30th birthday celebration, 2004 Display materials, undated Program planning materials, 2003-2005 (3 folders) 27Events, 2001 Community events and flyers, 2004-2008 Event DVDs, 2007: Anne Lamott, Audre Lorde and Midwifery presentation Events, 2005 (2 folders) 28Programming, 2002-2005 Sister Girls and Gaia Girls programming, 1999-2000 Sister Girls, 2003-2005 Young Writer's Groups publicity displays, undated High School Women Writers Group, 1999 29Sister Girls 'zines, 2002-2003 Programming, 1988-1999 High School Women Writers, 1998-2005 (4 folders), includes CD, Leaving Home, Becoming Home 30Gaia Collective and 30th anniversary celebration, 2004 SisterGirls, 2001-2006 (5 folders) SisterGirls Zines, undated SisterGirls Zines and feedback, 2003 SisterGirls Camp, 2003 Mentoring programs, 1999 and undated SisterGirls journals, undated 31SisterGirls, undated Girls Speak Out/SisterGirls, 1997-2001 SisterGirls, 2001-2002 (2 folders) Blackness for Sale, 2004? Woman to woman violence, undated Women in Print movement, 1997-1998 Related community programming, 2004-2005 32Community programming, 2002-2004 Community programming, 2002-2009 (2 folders) Community events and flyers, 2005 Leading Younger Women, 2005 Georgia Shares, 2002-2004 Pride, 2002 Atlanta LGBT activism, 2005-2006 33Sallie Bingham Center event, Leaving Home, Becoming Home, 2005 Realia and Oversized Items Series and undated, 1996-2008 (7 boxes) 34Charis T-shirts and tote bags, undated 35Calendars, large format clippings, posters and graphic materials, 2004-2006 36Businesswomen of the Year plaque, 1990, and framed Atlanta Pride print, 1996 37Gender Talk event print, undated The Dinner Party Store print, undated, Be Present Inc. framed print, undated and The Charis Private Collection: Inspiring Images of Women Loving Women album, undated 38Meeting notes, undated, Charis banner, undated, event posters, 2007-2008, mounted photographs, undated 39Two oversized foam core posters from the SisterGirls program, undated 40Charis Books/Charis Circle flag, undated 47Wood-backed collage, undated 48Wood-backed promotional material, undated 49Posters and other promotional materials, undated 1Miscellaneous Photographs Series, 1981-2007 (6 boxes)

Photographs document special events at Charis Books, including anniversary celebrations, and programming sponsored by Charis Circle. They include photos of Dorothy Allison, Gloria Anzaldua, Byllie Avery, Alison Bechdel, Charlotte Bunch, Phyllis Chesler, Kate Clinton, Alix Dobkin, Leslie Feinberg, Kay Hagan, bell hooks, Brenda Porter, Minnie Bruce Pratt, Amy Ray, Francine Reed, Emily Sailers, Gloria Steinem, and Alice Walker.

Photos are arranged in loose chronological order, and in loose alphabetical order where dates are not provided. (Boxes 45-46)

41Photograph album of "Charis at 20" event featuring Alice Walker, 1994 25th anniversary event, 1999 Charis events, 1981-1982 Charis 10th birthday and building renovations, 1984 42 1970s 1980, 1983-1989, and undated 1983-1992 and undated Staff/Window Display Photos, 1983-2002, and undated Events, 1984-2002 and undated (7 folders) Events, Pauline Clance 1986? 43Events 1987, 1999 and undated 1988 (includes negatives) Tina Ansa, 1989 1989-1997 and undated Sandra's Going Away Party, 1990s 1990-2002, and undated (3 folders) Negatives-SWMCF Duplicates, 1991-1993, 2001, and undated Events Alice Walker, Variety Play House, 1992 Events, 1993-2002 and undated 441997-2002 1998 Urban Nirvana, May 1998 Events, Phyllis Chesler at Charis Books, May 15, 1998 1998-2002 1999 (2 folders) 2000 Children's Program with Brenda Porter, 2000 First Celebration of Women in Music and Art, 2001 (includes negatives) Negatives-Sister Girls Camp, 2001 Stories, Pearl, Labyrinth, 2001 Writing Retreat, 2001 Sister Girls, 2001-2002 Events, 2001-2002 2002 (2 folders) ALCI Award, 2002 (includes negatives) Charis Birthday, 2002 Charis Concert, 2002 Gaia Retreat, 2002 Stories with Ulster and Others, 2002 (includes negatives) Young Writers, 2002 (includes negatives) Linda's Staff Party, July 2002 Staff Events, 2002-2003 and undated Events, 2002-2004 and undated (2 folders) 45Children's Story Hour, Women's Sex Series, CeCe Caita, Shonia Brown, 2003 Events, 2003 and undated (2 folders) Charis Circle Board Staff Retreat and Charis Books/Circle in Pride Parade, 2003 High Tea and Conversation with Beverly Guy Sheftall and Johnette Cole, March 2003 Alice Walker, April 27, 2004 Events, 2004 2004-2007 Dorothy Allison Tea negatives, undated Author and Musician Promotional Photos, undated (2 folders) Alison Bechdel, undated Black and White Events, undated Charis Move (Old Store), undated Events-Alix Dobkin and Dorothy Allison, undated 46Events, undated (4 folders) Negatives-Gaia Girls, undated Events-bell hooks, undated (2 folders) Events-John Lewis, undated Undated (5 folders) Negatives, undated Sister Girls and In-Store, undated Barbara Smith, undated Events-from Talking Bones, undated