Do you love supporting Ohio bookstores? How about enjoying a drink while spending time with your bestie? Now, picture putting that all together for a fantastic way to spend the day! If that’s right up your alley, then you’re going to love my latest series!! It’s easy, convenient, and oh, so good.
Ohio has some amazing towns. Within these towns, locally owned bookstores and coffee shops are run by people with a passion for their product. The owners spend endless hours curating their store. In turn, we, as the consumers, get to have an oasis in a crazy world. It is my pleasure to highlight these places for you to explore.
Ohio Bookstores are Your One Stop Shop
Locally owned Ohio bookstores can be small, but their purchasing power is wide. Indie bookstores can always order a special title for you if you don’t see what you’re looking for while shopping. When you support local businesses, you’re making a positive ripple effect throughout the community. Be sure to follow these businesses on Facebook and Instagram. This will keep you in the know about upcoming events, specials and new releases.
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A few of the featured Ohio bookstores sell gently used books. A real-life treasure hunt in disguise! By purchasing once loved books, you are keeping thousands of books from being thrown away. Sometimes it helps a nonprofit and almost always you save money. Used bookstores might not have every title you’re looking for. That’s part of the fun! They might just have a title you didn’t know you needed. This is a great time to pick up books for crafting as well.
I’ve divided the article into three geographical area. Northern Ohio, Mid-Ohio, and Southern Ohio. Picture the state with three horizontal lines running across it. This format will help you plan your Books, Beverages and Bestie days.
Lodging and extras near Ohio Bookstores
Making a weekend getaway by visiting Ohio’s bookstores and libraries is always a good idea. Getting a great deal on lodging or finding a unique stay makes it even better. Some of my favorite sites to score big in both of these categories are booking.com , Expedia, and VRBO.
If you are looking to add even more fun to your vacation, tapping into Tripadvisor can be very beneficial. I’ve found so many great recommendations for parks, restaurants and more from travelers who have been to the area before. Some of the bigger cities have great guides to show you around. Get Your Guide is a go-to app for me whenever I’m traveling.
Northern Ohio Area
Finch & Fern Books Co.
For some of us, Besties are practically our sisters. On the flip side, our sisters can be our best friends.
I am blessed to have both scenarios in my life.
Hanging out with my sisters, browsing through books, and sipping on coffee, makes for a wonderful day and cherished memories.
We love to read! We are constantly sharing book recommendations and having literary conversations. Their insight is invaluable in my life. Books broaden our minds, but when we can add novel conversation and gain additional perspective, that’s when deeper learning occurs.
Finch & Fern Co. is an adorable independently owned bookstore. Upon entering, you feel like you are walking into your Bestie’s cozy living room. The preserved historical architectural elements add to the charm.
Along with new and used books, you’ll find tumblers, stickers, bags, and various book related items that are perfect gifts for all the book lovers in your life
This Ohio bookstore has a children’s area in the back. It’s a great spot where kids can play and color while you browse the shelves.
Female owned business.
Finch & Fern 5641 Main St. Sylvania, OH 43560
Casual Grounds Coffee Co.
Casual Grounds Coffee Co. is about four minutes away from Finch & Fern. Here, you will find a cozy spot to enjoy your new books, drink your favorite beverages and catch up on all that has been happening in your Bestie’s life.
Casual Grounds Coffee is connected to a charming boutique store. It is beautifully curated with trendy clothing, jewelry, home decor, and many other items you didn’t know you needed.
Female owned business. Part of a family of entrepreneurs.
Casual Grounds Coffee Co. 4900 N McCord Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560
Sandusky Book Bar
An All-In-One friend was the perfect fit for this All-In-One Ohio bookstore.
Coffee + Books + Cocktails/Mocktails
How quickly the hours fly by when surrounded in great company and a delicious atmosphere.
Sandusky Book Bar has it all! The patio makes for a perfect place to catch up on the latest news. Inside, you can grab a drink at the bar, take it to a table, or lounge on the retro Davenport. (That’s a couch in today’s world.)
A few gently used books AND a beautiful fresh flower arrangements are the ideal items to take home after a day of laughter.
Are you a self-published author? This may very well be your next location for a book promotion. They love supporting writers, those from Ohio and beyond.
Female owned business.
Sandusky Book Bar 2101 W Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870
Mid-Ohio Area
Beanbag Books
Who says kids should have all the fun?!
Beanbag Books brings out the kid in all of us. Individual nooks, with beanbags inside, beckon you in to enjoy a newfound book while surrounded in total comfort. There are also beanbags on the floor so you, your Bestie, and the kids can plop down together and chill.
This Ohio bookstore is stocked with a fantastic selection of new children’s books, stuffed animals and stationary items. Jody, the owner, hosts a wide variety of ongoing events including author visits.
Delaware’s downtown is loaded with coffee shops, bakeries, and even a cheese store. We may have divulged in all of that AND opted for eating gelato after shopping for our favorite books.
Female owned business.
Kids are the perfect ‘excuse’ to stop in Ciao Cafe. Pick your favorite gelato, belly up to the window, and enjoy people watching as you indulge in authentic Italian happiness.
Beanbag Books 25 W. Winter St. Delaware, Ohio 43015
Ciao Cafe 2 N. Sandusky St. Delaware, Ohio 43015
Dollar Book Swap
Just when you think $1 doesn’t get you much, you find the Dollar Book Swap. Your expectations have now been turned upside down!
As we walked into this warehouse, we weren’t sure what to expect. Were we ever surprised! When a bookstore has shopping carts, you know you’re in for something special. This business is full of fun and creativity. Umbrellas and book stacks hang from the ceiling to give the space a whimsical feel. Murder mysteries and the like have their own room with a playful spin on the genre.
ALL books are $1.25 The books are so well organized and there are aisles upon aisles of them!!
There is SO much good to share about this family owned business in addition to the value.
- Teachers & social workers can get books here for FREE to build their classroom library
- Local business collaborations happen each weekend inside the store to help promote community engagement
- 100’s (!!) of thousands of books have been kept out of the landfill since this Ohio bookstore started
There are children’s books, books on practically every topic, CDs, records, DVDs, big books and vintage titles. The best part is different titles are being shelved daily.
People from ALL OVER the country have visited during the past 10 years. The pinned map has actually been refreshed three times!
Dollar Book Swap 1723 Webster St. Dayton, Ohio 45404
The Big Book Nook
A bit of a twist, yet oh, so good! Instead of demolishing an old school, Big Brothers Big Sisters repurposed the building. They created a fun, lighthearted used bookstore to raise funds for their program.
The Big Book Nook blew me away with its book selection and creativity. Housed in the old General Sherman Junior High, rows and rows of used books now grace the entire glass window front.
Books, puzzles, DVDs, board games and records are available at rock bottom prices.
$0.25 – $2
Not only can you score a great deal, but the proceeds go to a great nonprofit ~ Big Brothers Big Sisters
The Big Book Nook 624 W 5th Ave Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Southern Ohio Area
Cincy Book Bus + Moonflower Coffee Collective
There is so much to love about this duo. Each business has its own front door, but they also are connected inside, so you can browse both places seamlessly.
Walking into Cincy Book Bus is like no other Ohio bookstore. The first thing you’ll see is the Volkswagen Book Bus. When it’s not being utilized around town, it’s parked inside the store. You literally can shop right off the vehicle. VW cuteness overload!
Since its inception, proceeds from book purchases have been used to purchase books for area schools. This business model has continued even in the brick-and-mortar space. Recently, $10,000 was sent to help rebuild the California libraries ravaged by the fires.
For the most part, the Book Bus sells new books. There are a few shelves of gently used titles on the back wall. The store has so many fun book themed novelty gifts! Some even have the iconic Book Bus on them. The owner has also written a children’s book featuring the Book Bus.
Moonflower Coffee Collective is more than a typical coffee shop. Besides offering delicious drinks and pastries, it carries vintage clothing and a small assortment of thrifted items. What we really love is the casual vibe. There are several cozy spots to enjoy your book/drink/company. As if that isn’t enough, there is a cool vending machine that supports a local artist with unique prints. The prints change seasonally so you’ll always have a new surprise waiting for you.
Female owned businesses.
Cincy Book Bus 10936 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45241
Moonflower Coffee Collective 10938 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45241
Bookish By Brie & Co. + The Spot on Main
Our outing to Bookish and The Spot on Main was such a wonderful experience! A diamond in the rough in a rural area of Ohio. This Ohio bookstore is one of many stores located inside a large building. Books are only the beginning of the treasures you will find.
To start, Bookish is a book lovers’ delight. New and pre-loved books line the shelves with cozy reading areas.
Book themed stickers, tumblers, teas, pens/pencils, and mugs are just a few of the ‘extras’ that make this place so fun. There are also beautiful covers/carriers for your kindle or tablet. All perfect gifts for that special someone. (That includes you)
Female owned business.
Bookish by Bri 211 Broadway St. Jackson, OH 45640
The Spot on Main
Just around the corner is The Spot on Main. It’s within walking distance and there are so many interesting buildings to admire as you stroll through town. This coffee shop is what every Ohio downtown needs! Charming from the moment you lay eyes on it. Friendly, hospitable service and menu items that make your taste buds smile.
What we ordered and why we loved it:
Our beverages were served in real mugs. That’s always a huge plus in my book. I had the Salted Maple Latte and my Bestie had the Honey Bear Latte. Yum! Their drinks are made with locally sourced ingredients: honey, Milligan’s Maple and Snowville Creamery A2 milk). Their Playhouse Pretzel Sandwich came as a recommendation from two different people. We were SO glad we heeded their advice. This sandwich exceeded our expectations!! So good. The fluffy pretzel bun, sliced Gouda, perfectly seasoned sausage, egg, arugula, and 298 Dijon mayo all blended perfectly.
Fun fact: The sausage is locally sourced from Steve Evans who is a relative of Bob Evans.
The restaurant has fun window seats that allow you to watch the pedestrians and traffic going by. Tabletops for convenient conversation and laptop space, along with an outdoor patio to enjoy the sunshine are plentiful. Note cards, chocolates, T-shirts and novelty items fill the shelves for unique gift giving items or something to pamper yourself.
The Spot on Main 298 E. Main St. Jackson, OH 45640
Beyond Ohio Bookstores
After traveling the state, have you fallen in love with all of the adorable small towns and friendly business owners? If you’re looking for more travel ideas throughout the Buckeye State, here are some ideas to get you started.
As always, the thoughts and opinions I share are my own. Thank you for joining me on a variety of literary travels. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter where you’ll be the first to know about trips and discounts.
