Every city needs a great bookstore, and Bear’s Books
fills that role for Macon as its first independent
bookstore since the 1990s, nestled in the heart of
downtown. Owner Margaret Harrington, known as
“Bear,” brings her background in teaching and creative
writing to offer insightful recommendations across a
variety of genres. Many visiting authors are friends of
hers, eager to connect with the Macon community.
Bear’s Books boasts a diverse inventory tailored to
community interests, with titles for readers of all ages.
The bookstore fosters a sense of unity and connection through its range of events, including
book clubs, author readings and signings, and writing classes. Customers engage in a shared
love of reading, creating a vibrant, inclusive community. The store also supports local initiatives,
hosting meet-and-greets for Roberts Academy—a school affiliated with Mercer University for
students with dyslexia—and bringing authors to speak at the Brookdale Resource Center for
Macon’s unhoused population. And, Bear’s Books is dog-friendly.
Margaret’s mother devoted her career to teaching children to read and promoting literacy, instilling
in Margaret a love for stories and teaching her to read at just three years old. After earning an MFA
in creative writing and spending 20 years teaching children with learning disabilities, Margaret
now focuses on nurturing a community centered around books and writing. Discover more of her
fascinating backstory on the bookstore’s website!
