Sure Cleveland has its Barnes and Noble’s and Borders’ Bookstores, and they are great stores, but to really get the feel of Cleveland, seek out one of the quirky independent bookstores around town. They’re an eclectic bunch, specializing in poetry, used books, and local favorites. Try one of these the next time you’re looking for something to read:
Crooked River Reading Club
(© 2006 S. Mitchell; Licensed to About. Inc.)
The Galleria at Erieview
1301 E. 9th St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216 830-2665
Located in the Galleria at Erieview in downtown Cleveland, this wood-paneled book emporium emphasizes local authors and subject matter, although you'll also find a smattering of hand-picked selections in other categories. Don't come to this cozy bookstore with a list of bestsellers in hand; come to browse through the lovingly-picked tomes about Northeast Ohio.
1301 E. 9th St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216 830-2665
Located in the Galleria at Erieview in downtown Cleveland, this wood-paneled book emporium emphasizes local authors and subject matter, although you'll also find a smattering of hand-picked selections in other categories. Don't come to this cozy bookstore with a list of bestsellers in hand; come to browse through the lovingly-picked tomes about Northeast Ohio.
Loganberry Books
(© 2006 S Mitchell; licensed to About, Inc.)
13015 Larchmere Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44120
216 785-9800
Loganberry Books is a friendly and welcoming store, filled with gently used books on topics ranging from fiction to philosophy. Loganberry specializes in books on women’s topics and the arts, and has a large selection of children’s books as well. They are a huge supporter of local writers and feature four to five local author events per month in addition to an annual local author book fair.
Cleveland, OH 44120
216 785-9800
Loganberry Books is a friendly and welcoming store, filled with gently used books on topics ranging from fiction to philosophy. Loganberry specializes in books on women’s topics and the arts, and has a large selection of children’s books as well. They are a huge supporter of local writers and feature four to five local author events per month in addition to an annual local author book fair.
Macs Backs Paperbacks
(© Stu Spivack/cc license)
1820 Coventry Rd.
Cleveland Hts., OH 44118
216 321-BOOK
Located along Bohemian Coventry Road, Macs Back’s is something of a local icon. This independent bookseller was self-publishing books long before the advent of the Internet. Today, they still encourage young writers and poets, and host bi-weekly readings and open houses to give local authors a chance to share their work. The shelves here are piled with books,not all of them paperbacks, in all genres and subjects.
Cleveland Hts., OH 44118
216 321-BOOK
Located along Bohemian Coventry Road, Macs Back’s is something of a local icon. This independent bookseller was self-publishing books long before the advent of the Internet. Today, they still encourage young writers and poets, and host bi-weekly readings and open houses to give local authors a chance to share their work. The shelves here are piled with books,not all of them paperbacks, in all genres and subjects.
Blue Heron Bookstore
(© Ken Lefebvre/used with permission)
Blue Heron Bookstore
1593 Main St.
Peninsula, OH 44264
330 657-2575
The Blue Heron Bookstore is located in downtown Peninsula, in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The small, well-organized bookstore features a smattering of the most popular book genres, with carefully selected tomes. There is also a regional interest section and a large children's section in the back, complete with an enchanted tree. The store has a cozy, welcoming feel, with couches and a fireplace in the main room. Blue Heron hosts a number of special book-related events, including book clubs, children's story hours, and a number of Harry Potter related events.
1593 Main St.
Peninsula, OH 44264
330 657-2575
The Blue Heron Bookstore is located in downtown Peninsula, in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The small, well-organized bookstore features a smattering of the most popular book genres, with carefully selected tomes. There is also a regional interest section and a large children's section in the back, complete with an enchanted tree. The store has a cozy, welcoming feel, with couches and a fireplace in the main room. Blue Heron hosts a number of special book-related events, including book clubs, children's story hours, and a number of Harry Potter related events.
The Learned Owl Book Shop
(© Melinda G/used with permission)
204 N. Main St
Hudson, OH 44236
330 653-2252
The Learned Owl Book Shop is the quintessential small town bookstore, complete with a resident long-haired bookstore dog named Maggie. The store features three floors of books for readers of all ages, from the latest fiction to venerable classics, from travel guides to fun children’s story books. The service here is excellent and browsers are encouraged.
Hudson, OH 44236
330 653-2252
The Learned Owl Book Shop is the quintessential small town bookstore, complete with a resident long-haired bookstore dog named Maggie. The store features three floors of books for readers of all ages, from the latest fiction to venerable classics, from travel guides to fun children’s story books. The service here is excellent and browsers are encouraged.
Bookstore on West 25th
(© Cleveland SGS/used with permission)
1921 W. 25th St
Cleveland, OH 44113
216 566-8897
Yes, it’s dusty, but that’s part of its charm. This interesting shop is part garage sale, part bookseller. The draw here is the huge quantity of used book on all subjects and genres and in all conditions. Come here with an open mind. There’s some junk here, but there are jewels here, also. You just have to be patient and look for them. The staff is friendly, if a little detached, and happy to leave you alone in your treasure hunt. (The Bookstore on West 25th is closing for good on June 30, 2008.)
Cleveland, OH 44113
216 566-8897
Yes, it’s dusty, but that’s part of its charm. This interesting shop is part garage sale, part bookseller. The draw here is the huge quantity of used book on all subjects and genres and in all conditions. Come here with an open mind. There’s some junk here, but there are jewels here, also. You just have to be patient and look for them. The staff is friendly, if a little detached, and happy to leave you alone in your treasure hunt. (The Bookstore on West 25th is closing for good on June 30, 2008.)
Zubal Books
(© SGS Cleveland/used with permission)
Who would think that the nation’s largest antiquarian Internet book business is located in a brick warehouse not far from downtown Cleveland? It’s Zubal Books and it’s been in business since 1961. They have over 5 million titles and carry most genres and subjects. The only drawback: you can’t actually browse the shelves at Zubal’s, at least not in person, but their easy-to-navigate website makes shopping a breeze. The company was even featured on Tony Bourdain's Cleveland segment of "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel.
Fireside Book Shop
29 N. Franklin StChagrin Falls, OH 44022
440 247-4050
Located in the charming village of Chagrin Falls, Fireside Books has been a Cleveland booklover’s favorite for over 42 years. They carry a personally selected variety of new and classic books, with an emphasis on local authors and topics. A regular schedule of events includes poetry readings, seminars with local writers, theater presentations, and live music. The attentive and knowledgeable staff is always ready with a recommendation.
Appletree Books
12419 Cedar Rd.Cleveland, OH 44106
216 791-2665
Located in Cleveland Heights, Appletree Books is a delightful oasis in a sea of cookie cutter bookstores. The brainchild of retired CWRU professor, Jane Kessler, Appletree Books features an interesting selection of mostly new hardback and paperback titles in an array of subjects. You’ll find the expected here, but also the unexpected. The store’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a welcome place to shop.
