For many years, Atlantic News was just the place wear I bought sour gumballs after school. When I was ten, I bought my first magazine there. My best friend and I stole money from my dad's change jar to buy a copy of Mad magazine. I think the Bush–Gore election was on the cover. Dogged by guilt, I told my friend to hide the magazine at his house.

I realized Atlantic News' significance when I was in journalism school. For a young journalist, the store was a wonderland of rare and interesting publishing. "I love magazines," Michelle, the owner of Atlantic News says — and her enthusiasm is infectious. Standing in Atlantic News, you feel an appreciation for the art of magazine publishing seep into your bones. These bundles of paper, full of obscure knowledge, beautiful art, unique textures. I think that passion will carry the shop for another fifty years.