Have no fear, citizens of Harrisonburg, the rumors that the Artful Dodger Coffee House is going out of business are just that: rumors. Manager Chris Clark went as far as to call it a "vicious rumor ... fed by ignorance.”

The popular Main Street hangout is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and the celebrating will go on for the entire year. "We’re here to stay forever and ever," Clark proclaimed proudly.

"We’ve been in business on Main Street for 10 years and we’ll be here for another 20 or 50 years."

The Artful Dodger prides itself on its originality. In addition to being a coffee shop, it has also served as a hangout for people of all ages. The coffee shop acts as a showcase for local artists, often hosting local musical artists and bands. Many EMU students remember packing the house to hear EMU’s own singer/songwriter, Ry Wilson, perform last year.

The Dodger is more than just a place to buy special coffee. The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to sit down, thumb through a magazine, gaze at some artwork and play a rousing game of Jenga! with a friend. Business people in suits bring their laptops and hopeful young men bring their dates. What better way to get to know someone than over a game of cards?

The very name of the coffee house brings to mind the colorful character from Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist. Dickens's "Dodger" was known to hang out in places similar to his Harrisonburg namesake. Clark sees the name as being a description as well, with the spontaneous decorating scheme and the support they offer to artists. The use of a word like "artful" can be seen as a delightfully subtle pun.

While steeped in 19th-century literature, the present isn’t forgotten. Some students are currently working on the Artful Dodger website, which is temporarily out of service. Clark explained that the original Dodger website was also a student project and it simply wasn’t maintained, perhaps feeding the rumor that the Dodger was closing down.

According to Clark, the Dodger has "specialized in those things which are original and unique" from the start. When the Artful Dodger was first opened, Clark stated there was a "tremendous community need" that the Dodger has tried to fulfill. "You can work, play games or read…there’s nothing else like it," he said.

As part of their anniversary celebration, the Artful Dodger will be displaying a varied collection of transcendental art throughout the month of February. The artist will be at the coffee shop on Feb. 8. Poetry readings are still held every Tuesday night.

"We ain’t going nowhere!" said Clark. The Artful Dodger is open Sun. through Thurs. from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fri. and Sat.