All Good Books announces the awarding of its B-Corp Certification
April 24, 2026
The independent bookstore is the first retail business in Columbia to receive the designation
All Good Books announced an important milestone with the awarding of its B-Corp Certification, ahead of the bookstore’s celebration of National Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 25.
“We sought a B-Corp Certification to demonstrate our active commitment to building and supporting the Columbia literary community, elevating local authors and local work and providing a community space for book groups and author readings,” said Ben Adams, co-owner and co-founder of All Good Books. “Our customers want to support a business that builds community and operates to benefit our environment and make the world a better place. B-Corp certification is confirmation that we are on the right track.”
All Good Books is one of eight businesses in South Carolina to receive a B-Corp certification, becoming the first independent bookstore in the state and the first retail business in Columbia to receive the designation.
“This recognition is a point of pride for the entire Columbia community. All Good Books has set a powerful example of what it means to pair purpose with entrepreneurship, showing that businesses here can succeed while also investing in people, place, and opportunity,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Being the first retail business in our city to earn B-Corp Certification speaks volumes about the values that define Columbia.”
B-Corp certification recognizes companies that meet strong standards for how they treat people, work to build community, and their commitment to environmental stewardship. The certification distinguishes businesses that balance profit with a broader social purpose. The average first-time score for businesses seeking B-Corp certification is 50; All Good Books achieved a score of 80.5 based on an evaluation of the store’s performance in four areas:
- customers & community,
- governance,
- workers and
- environment
All Good Books and its B-Corp Certification
Customers & Community: All Good Books was established in 2023 to provide a space to celebrate and feature local authors and good literature from around the world. Our book offerings are curated to reflect the diversity of Columbia, and we regularly participate in “AGB in the Community” events to sell books and support authors and book-related events around the city, including at local higher-education institutions and K-12 schools, as well as additional community spaces. All Good Books provides free space to book groups, local author events and children literary gatherings. And when possible, All Good Books works with local suppliers.
Governance: All Good Books’ ownership and Advisor Board includes members that reflect Columbia’s diversity with a shared passion for books and reading. AGB’s legal charter commits the organization to “create a material positive impact on society and the environment.” Advisory Board co-owners are:
- Aurora Bell, Associate Editorial Director, University of South Carolina Press
- Kate Boyd, Director of Digital Research Services, University of South Carolina Libraries
- Nikky Finney, Carolina Distinguished Professor and John H. Bennett, Jr. Endowed Professor of Creative Writing and Southern Letters, University of South Carolina
- Jared Johnson, Community Organizer and Freelance Photographer and Journalist
- Alice McCrory, Former Treasurer, St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
- Deric Rosenbaum, President, Groucho’s Deli
Workers: All Good Books pays staff a livable wage, starting at $16 an hour. This is more than double the minimum wage in South Carolina. AGB’s booksellers are book enthusiasts (and writers and artists as well) who love to share the gift of reading with their community, and who actively participate in decision-making and governance for the store.
Environment: All Good Books is deliberately located in a walkable, bikeable community in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood in Columbia, S.C. The bookstore focused on initiatives around recycling and rehabilitated its store space to include an energy-efficient heating and cooling system.
All Good Books offers a full calendar of community events throughout the year. Learn more at https://allgoodbooks.com/.
About All Good Books
All Good Books is committed to serving Columbia as a community hub where you can explore literature from every genre around the world and sip on your favorite drink. Beyond the books and beverages, All Good Books hosts events such as readings, discussions, book signings and book clubs that bring together fellow book lovers. The store was founded in 2022 by Ben Adams, Raven McCrory and Clint & Jenna Wallace, and opened its doors in Five Points in March 2023 with support from over 600 community members who contributed to the effort via Kickstarter. Learn more at https://allgoodbooks.com/.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/All.Good.Books.SC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all_good_books
