Carlos Museum Bookshop

Friday, August 22, 2025

A Fond Farewell to the Bookshop at the Carlos Museum

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the permanent closure of the Bookshop at the Carlos Museum, effective Sunday, September 28, 2025.   
  
Since opening in 1993 as part of the museum’s expansion, the Bookshop has stood as a beloved cornerstone of the Carlos, shaped and stewarded by Mark Burell. Mark not only came up with the original plan for a museum bookshop and worked in collaboration with Michael Graves & Associates to create it, but he also nurtured it over the past 32 years into one of the finest independent bookstores in Atlanta.   
  
With his deep knowledge of literature, the book industry, and the museum’s mission, Mark curated a thoughtful and unique selection of books that resonated with visitors from Emory and beyond. Under his leadership, the Bookshop became known for its unique and insightful inventory, beautiful displays of Fair Trade imports, and energetic support of the museum’s exhibitions and programs.   
  
During the pandemic, Mark’s creativity and dedication were nothing short of remarkable. He launched an online shop, arranged curbside pickups, created a pop-up store at a local farmer’s market for both sales and museum outreach, and even hand-delivered books by bicycle to local customers. In 2023, Emory University honored him with the Award of Distinction for these extraordinary efforts.     
  
The Bookshop has been a true reflection of Mark’s vision, dedication, and tireless work.  Simply put, without him, there would be no Carlos Museum Bookshop. As Mark retires from Emory on October 3, and with increasing challenges to running this independent retail operation on the university campus, it was decided that this “hidden gem of a bookstore” (as many of our visitors have described it) had run its course and we do not plan to continue its operation. Its final day of operation will be on Sunday, September 28.   
  
The Bookshop will be deeply missed. It has been more than a retail space—it has been a place of learning, connection, and community. And because the Bookshop was always a favorite destination for parents and school groups, we are pleased to announce that the bookshop space will be turned into a learning lab managed by the office of educational programs which will include a small children’s library. We are also starting a fund to support K-12 education at the museum.  Please give generously in recognition of Mark and the Bookshop.

Support the Ex Libris Education Fund Today

We also invite you to share your memories and words of appreciation HERE.  Your reflections will help honor the legacy of a space that has meant so much to so many.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable chapter.   

Henry Kim  
Associate Vice Provost  
Museum Director

Share Your Bookshop Memories