Fifty years later, Givens Books begins its next chapter

Givens Books & Little Dickens in Lynchburg is preparing for a new era. After 50 years of operation, owner Danny Givens is transitioning the family business to a third generation. The bookstore began as a small project in a converted gas station on Boonsboro Road back in the mid-1970s. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of the Lynchburg independent business community.

Danny Givens started the shop with just a few thousand dollars and a collection of books he moved from Arizona. He focused on creating an emotional experience for his customers rather than just a place to buy goods. This philosophy helped the business survive the rise of online retail giants and the economic shifts of the recent pandemic. Today, the store features a toy shop called Little Dickens and remains a local landmark.

In September, Danny’s daughter, Anneli Givens Morse, will purchase the business and assume ownership. She is leaving a career in the technology industry to lead the store into its next chapter. Her focus is on maintaining the store as a community space that offers workshops, local events, and a physical atmosphere that algorithms cannot replicate.

The transition comes at a time of record success for the store, which recently posted its strongest sales figures in five decades. According to Givens, shopping at locally owned businesses keeps money in the community and supports local service providers like electricians and accountants. He views the handoff to his daughter as a gift, ensuring the legacy continues under family guidance rather than being sold to outside investors.