Bookstores across Ohio continue to provide a literary source for all types of readers. Many of these bookstores have become a community hub for socializing and connecting. Others continue to benefit the community by providing free books to the local residents and reusing previously loved materials.
If you watched the 1998 romantic hit, You’ve Got Mail, with business rivals Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, there’s probably a good chance that you’ve dreamed of owning/working at a quaint little bookstore similar to the one Meg ran. There is a simple romantic feel to these shops. The atmosphere plays into suspense, drama, growth and of course a great ending. What’s more to love than the smell and the sound of a newly cracked open book just waiting to be devoured.
Ohio Bookstores Have Had Their Ups and Downs
Do you remember Books A Million? How about Walden Books? Both bookstore chains have gone under. Barnes and Noble maintains the number one spot. Yes, B&N has a huge selection, and a Starbucks, but it’s so important not to forget to support the locally owned bookstores that dot Ohio’s towns.
As I travel, I enjoy finding these mom ‘n pop bookstores as each one has its own personality. Many of them have incorporated an in-house coffee shop which almost always serves better coffee than Starbucks anyway. I walk into these stores and hear locals talking and interacting. I see children buried in beanbags, fully immersed in a large book spread across their chubby legs. There are young men playing chess. Old men putting together puzzles. It’s a community hub that means so much to so many people.
Bookstores offer a mix among new and used books. Some have only one or the other and some bookstores provide a mix of the two. Many times, you’ll find LPs, puzzles, and even 8 tracks for sale.
This article will be continually updated as I discover new bookstores throughout Ohio. I hope you find it to be a beneficial resource as you are out shopping for just that right book whether it be for you or someone special.
Cincy Book Bus
I will start off with one of the more adorable bookstores. Melonie Morre has turned a beautifully restored Volkswagen truck into a book mobile. When customers purchase books from the Cincy Book Bus, they can feel good knowing that the proceeds of their purchase will be used to buy books for the kids of Cincinnati. The donated books go to inner city schools, the Ronald McDonald House and various non-profits.
This fall, Melonie plans to open a brick-and-mortar bookstore in the Cincinnati area. By having a store of this style, she will be able to offer book clubs and story times, but most importantly, the weather won’t be an issue. The truck will still be available for private parties.
Gathering Volumes
Tucked away in a local shopping plaza, this female-owned, Ohio book store has an abundance of shopping options. The majority of the books are new, but there are sections of used books that are available for purchase as well. Patrons can bring in their used books and obtain credit for which they can use for book purchases.
Because book lovers tend to have many interests, the owner has also provided a selection of puzzles and cross-stitch materials. She found that the cross-stitching items were getting harder and harder to find locally, so she wanted to make it convenient for her customers.
The owner of Gathering Volumes is very intentional when it comes to buying from locally owned businesses. She sees the value of supporting independent entrepreneurs and the positive, trick effect they have on a community. This philosophy guides her business model in many ways.
Book clubs, book fairs and author visits are a few of the extras that are provided through Gathering Volumes. All current and upcoming programs can be viewed on their website and social media.
Gathering Volumes 196 E. South Boundary St. Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
Grounds for Thought
When I visited this adorable bookstore in Bowling Green, Ohio, I had as much fun walking around and observing the customers as I did looking for a book. There were college students playing chess, retired men working together on puzzles, small groups engaged in conversation with coffee in hand, as well as the typical customers waiting in line and looking at titles.
What was so easy to see was the fact that this is a central hub for the community. A place where all ages felt welcome and comfortable. It is truly a special culture that has been curated over time.
This Ohio bookstore sells only used books. All of them have been donated. They are shelved, organized and in good condition which makes shopping all the better.
As you enter the bookstore, you first come to a coffee shop set up in house. Drinks, ice cream and pastries are offered. Multiple tables throughout the store give a place to enjoy your drink/food and enjoy your ‘new to you’ book. Grounds for Thought also sells LPs, 8-tracks and various recycled items with a literary theme.
Grounds for Thought 174 S. Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I will continue to update you with additional information on Ohio bookstores as I come across them. If you have any you’d like to recommend, feel free to send me an email at bountifulblessingstravelblog@yahoo.com or contact me on my social media sites.
You might also enjoy reading about locally owned coffee shops and wineries found throughout Ohio. This state is full of so many amazing entrepreneurs and ideas. Fun for all!
