Help Plott Hound Books Start a New Chapter!

Help Us Start A New Chapter!

Plott Hound Books is a cornerstone of the Burnsville community—a place where stories come to life, where friendships are forged, and where neighbors come together. Now, as beloved owner Ronni Lundy prepares to retire, the future of this cherished bookstore is at risk.

But with your help, we can keep the doors open and continue this legacy. The next generation of booksellers is ready to take the reins and ensure Plott Hound Books remains a thriving hub for literature and connection. We’re resourceful but short on resources!

What We’re Raising Funds For:

We are fundraising to cover a refresh of the store’s interior, a large restock of new and classic books, exciting programming and events, and costs associated with the transfer of the business. We can’t do it without your help!

Why It Matters:

Independent bookstores are more critical than ever for preserving communities’ access to literature and information. The new stewards of Plott Hound are committed to continuing the legacy of Plott Hound Books being a critical gathering space for our town and region, giving our neighbors a place to not only find the perfect book but also be in fellowship.

Plott Hound Books, founded in 2022 by celebrated food writer Ronni Lundy, is committed to promoting literacy, fostering access to information, and cultivating a love for storytelling. Rooted in Appalachia, we are proud to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and voices of this unique region. Our mission is to create a welcoming, community-centered space where all readers can explore, engage, and connect through exceptional writing while supporting local culture and education.

Meet the Crew

Mary Margaret Fernandez has a passion for community building, feeding people, and harassing opposing trivia night teams. She met Mary Haidri in Plott Hound Books with the line “Where’s Ronni?”, and from two words a friendship was formed and a future godmother for her son was found. She loves cookbooks, bilingual children's stories, and books about cults.

As Plott Hound Books’ part-time employee since 2023, Mary Haidri learned the art of bookselling and store curation from expert Ronni Lundy. She previously worked in libraries for ten years, holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing, and is currently reading her way through the Appalachian fiction section of the bookstore. In her spare time, she dabbles as a chocolatier, henwife, folklorist, and fairy godmother.

Sarah Ogletree is dedicated to fostering connections and creating spaces where people can thrive. With a background in organizing, she is excited to play a key role in solidifying and growing Plott Hound Books as a regional Third Space — a welcoming environment where people can connect not only with ideas but also with each other. And let’s be real: she’s also a huge book lover. When she’s not reading, you can find her and her husband singing harmonious renditions of Old McDonald Had a Farm, much to the amazement and delight of their two-year-old.

Edgar has twenty years of experience working with small businesses within the food and hospitality industry. He is currently the Production Manager and Head Chocolatier at French Broad Chocolate, where he spends his days developing new recipes, streamlining systems, and leading his team in the production of over a million confections per year. His experience will be key in growing and strengthening Plott Hound Books in innovative ways. He collects small press poetry books and obsessively recommends them to anyone who will humor him.