Everyone who knows me knows that I can’t pass up a good bookstore. I love being surrounded by books, and the smell of a bookstore seems to make my stress melt away. One of the first things that I researched when I moved to Columbus over five years ago was where I could find the closest bookstore. As it turns out, Columbus has some really great places for book lovers like me. I have compiled a list of the best bookstores in Columbus, Ohio. These are all independently owned stores and are unique in their own way. If you love to stop in bookstore when you travel, keep reading.
The Book Loft
The happiest place in Columbus is within the walls of this bookstore (in my
Squeezing through aisles of books in every genre imaginable is a delight. I am not one for being in tight places with other people, but I can make an exception for a bookstore filled with other book lovers. Call them kindred spirits, if you will. This charming bookstore can fill an afternoon with ease.
Additionally, all of the books have at least a 5% discount, and many have more than that. The Book Loft hosts many authors for signings and occasionally holds bookish events. One year there was a Harry Potter party that I, unfortunately, had to miss. If you go to one bookstore in Columbus make it this one. You will not regret it.
Karen Wickliff Books
For the more daring book shoppers, there is Karen Wickliff Books. This book store is located in Clintonville on North High Street. Expect to walk into a mountain of books. Literally. There are stacks of books on the floor along the walls and in front of the already full bookshelves. When I first walked in, my book-loving heart started beating quicker in anticipation. What treasures will I find here?
The old hardwood floors creaking beneath your feet only add to the character and charm of this bookstore. Don’t expect to find many new books here. This store has old books at a very low price. If you love bookstores for the smell and atmosphere, I highly recommend visiting Karen Wickliff Books.
Phoenix Books
If you are looking for a very specific kind of book, Phoenix Books may be the place for you. Also located in Clintonville on North High Street, Phoenix Books specializes in spiritual, metaphysical, and self-discovery books. The store is in an old house and has different rooms, each with a different focus. Inside, there are books about Reiki, Feng Shui, religion, crystals, tarot cards and even Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Furthermore, Phoenix Books hosts Friday night talks with experts on an array of topics from dreams to finding your past life. This bookstore is not for everyone, but it is definitely a leader in its own niche. If you have any spiritual interests, this bookstore is the one for you.
Cover to Cover
For children’s books, Cover to Cover in Upper Arlington is a wonderful place to go. This small store has an excellent selection of children’s books. I love Cover to Cover because it supplies both classic and new children’s books and supports indie children’s authors. Visit Cover to Cover with your children for story time and even kids yoga!
For many, myself included, the love for books starts as a child. I still love children’s books today. There is so much imagination involved, and there is nothing more joyous than watching a child’s eyes light up as they hear a story unfold. Cover to Cover is the book store for you if you are looking for a place to share your love of reading with your children.
Two Dollar Radio Headquarters
This part book store-part cafe-part bar sits on the outskirts of the German Village on Parsons Avenue. With a bit of an eclectic vibe, this little store is the perfect place to spend an afternoon reading, studying, or working on a project. All sounds great, right? There is so much more to this place than meets the eye.
Aside from having an amazing selection of books by independent authors, serving up spectacular coffee, tea, vegan food, and booze, and being an all-around awesome place, Two Dollar Radio HQ is an independent publishing company. They have even produced films! How cool is that? Two Dollar Radio HQ is the store for people who love reading indie authors, want some tasty vegan food, enjoy a fun but calm atmosphere, and especially those who want to write in such an inspiring place.
Packrat Comics
I am admittedly not a huge comic book person, but I know that Columbus has a few great comic book stores. At the recommendation of a friend, I visited Packrat Comics to see what it I could find. This is a great little store in Hilliard, which is just west of Columbus. Aside from a huge selection of comic books, graphic novels, and a smaller selection of manga, this store has games and plenty of nerd memorabilia. My nerdy self had lots of fun perusing this store, even if it is not my usual haunt. Packrat Comics is a great store for comic book readers, collectors, and just nerds in general.
The Village Bookshop
The Village Bookshop is a discount bookstore, with a large number of antique books. Upon entering this church turned bookstore, you are met with a musty smell of old pages that is somehow instantly calming. I have spent many hours in this shop perusing old books and finding new(old) reads. Unfortunately, the shop is closing in January 2019 and saying goodbye. The family who owns The Village Bookshop are retiring after 36 years of running the shop. While I am sad that the store is leaving, I am sure that their story will continue.
Columbus, Ohio has a thriving literary scene, which is apparent with the unique independent bookstores that are still pulling in customers. When I travel, I keep an eye out for small bookstores, because for me, a bookstore is where I feel most at home when I am far from it. If I am tired or frustrated or I just need some alone time on my travels, book stores will always be there to save the day.
These bookstores in Columbus helped turn this city into a home for me, and I hope that they make traveling to this city even more appealing. Columbus has much to offer aside from books, but books are always a good place to start. Next time you find yourself here, make sure to stop in some of the best bookstores in Columbus, Ohio.
I love to link reading and travel as I believe that the two are interchangeable. When you travel you are seeing places that you have never seen before, and when you read you are imagining them. Reading can even inspire you to travel and vice versa.
What are the best bookstores in your city? I want to visit them!
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My best friend lives in Ohio, and we love the state for its strong library system. We just visited Cinci and Dayton this fall for, well, the fall. The museums in Cinci were so much fun, and we loved the local brewery scene. We ran out of time, but my friend wanted to show me the libraries to go and play–they are huge and beautiful. The state has great bookish funding. When I was in library school, I’d always study and write about their library practices and policies. I love seeing that Ohio also has a great bookstore scene. I’m still so bummed to see that the cute Village Bookshop is closing. Great list! Love this post–adding all to my literary travels list for 2019.
My friends and I always talk about heading down to Cinci for a weekend to hit up the breweries. I will have to make them go to the libraries with me as well! I love the libraries here in Columbus. They have a great selection and lots of resources. They also keep me from buying outrageous amounts of books! I hope you have the best bookish travels this year!
Great article Keri! I love how The Book Loft is so organised; I’d probably end up at the upper west wing on most visits. Though I do enjoy jigsaw puzzles as well …
I also look for bookshops in new cities – they really do have a character of their own, and quite often the owners personalise them as well! If you’re ever in Norwich in the UK, I can recommend The Book Hive as a place to go. I think you would like it 🙂
Thanks for the recommendation, Jeremy! I will definitely check out the Book Hive next time I find myself in the UK! I can never visit too many bookstores.