There's something so relaxing and rewarding stepping foot into a local independent bookstore and seeing the thousands of books stacked on floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Whether you're exploring the area, wanting a place to head to after enjoying some delicious cuisine, or seeking a location to peruse the latest best-selling books, any of these Cincinnati, Ohio, bookstores are worth checking out.
Blue Manatee Children's Bookstore
After owners Dr. John Hutton and Sandra Gross announced in December 2018 that they planned to close the Blue Manatee Children's Bookstore, which they had operated for more than 17 years, approximately 150 people expressed interest in purchasing the establishment.
Amanda Kranias and Kevin Kushman served as the two directors who oversaw the reopening of the bookstore in April 2019, and together they helped turn the bookstore into a nonprofit that connects books and experiences for children between the ages of four and eight who are at risk of falling behind in reading. For every book that someone purchases at the Blue Manatee, the nonprofit donates another book to a needy student. Head over to its location at 3094 Madison Road to learn more about the program.
The Bookshelf
Take a short drive over to Madeira and pay a visit to The Bookshelf. Located at 7754 Camargo Road, it's one of the area's oldest independent bookstores, opening in 1975. Since it opened its doors, the one-level bookstore has had more than a dozen owners, all of whom are women. Its employees pride themselves on knowing customers' names and giving personalized book recommendations. Local authors and illustrators often visit the bookstore to sign their works.
To encourage repeat business, the bookstore offers numerous in-store specials, including discounts for teachers and book club members. Due to its proximity to four school districts, the bookstore stocks required reading books for students and participates in book fairs and reading events hosted at the schools.
Duttenhofer's Books
If you're planning a visit to the University of Cincinnati, make sure you check out Duttenhofer's Books at 214 W. McMillan St. Walk around the store and marvel at its shelves, which are filled with tens of thousands of books. It also posts more than 7,000 works on its website. Its owners have more than 30 years of experience and are ready to help you find whatever book you're searching for.
The bookstore specializes in fiction and classics as well as vintage works. If you're interested in selling some of your older books, the bookstore might purchase them. Call or email first to determine whether or not the bookstore can use what you're selling.
Irish BookCafe and Gallery
The Irish BookCafe and Gallery is a hidden gem found in Over-the-Rhine at 1131 Main St. The establishment doubles as a coffee shop and takes pride in its vintage book collection. It boasts the largest collection of Polish books in the city and carries a variety of fashion, photography, cooking, and fiction works. Walk around the bookstore, and gaze up at the walls to see the professionally curated exhibitions of fine photography. When the weather cooperates, step outside to the courtyard and enjoy your all-natural beverage and book at one of its outdoor tables.
The First Edition Rare Books
Located in downtown Cincinnati at 250 E. 5th Street less than 2 miles from the Cincinnati Art Museum, The First Edition Rare Books is known for selling notable rare books by important world figures. History buffs find this appointment-only bookstore particularly fascinating, as many of the books are either written by or focus on historical figures.
The store also buys and sells books on consignment, so if you have a first-edition book from your private collection that you're interested in selling, contact the store for more information. The store will do all the legwork, cataloging, and promoting until your book sells for a fair price.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Located in the Rockwood Shopping Center on the outskirts of Hyde Park at 2692 Madison Road, Joseph-Beth Booksellers has best-selling books found in a variety of genres. It also houses a section of books and memorabilia highlighting Cincinnati. The store's name derives from the middle names of its two founders: Neil and Mary Beth Van Uum.
The bookstore offers a Gives Back Rewards Program, which includes two membership options. For both membership options, you receive the following:
- A $10 for every $200 spent.
- 30% off best-selling hardcover books.
- 20% off staff picks and book club selections.
- Exclusive invitations to members-only events.
- Select a community partner that receives a percentage of your purchases made.
The only two additions to the $25 membership over the $10 membership is a free birthday meal or treat from the on-site bistro as well as a $25 voucher to the bistro.
Ohio Book Store
Head downtown to 726 Main St. to the Ohio Book Store, which is a multi-level bookstore that has stacks of books scattered throughout. Founder James Hardwick opened the four-story store in 1940 at 544 Main St., and in 1961 he moved his business to the current five-story location. James Fallon began working at the bookstore in 1956 and purchased the store in 1971. He also utilizes his decades of experience working in the used and rare book business and serves as the store's appraiser.
Today, the bookstore has an inventory of more than 300,000 books and magazines. It also has a Bookbinding and Restoration Department, so that you can bring in your well-loved books for repairs and restoration.
Smith & Hannon Bookstore
A Black-owned bookstore located at 1405 Vine Street, the Smith & Hannon Bookstore was founded in 2003 by Joyce Smith, who served as a school superintendent for 34 years. She sought to promote literacy within the Black community by providing high-quality works from Black authors. The bookstore spent several years in Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and then moved to its current location in Over-the-Rhine.
What do you think of this list of Cincinnati-area bookstores created by Kings Toyota? Did we miss any unique bookstores in the area? If so, drop us a line so we can make sure to add it to our list.
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