As the cold weather comes, sometimes finding new experiences can be tricky-even if those start through imagination! There is a part of each of us that will always be a reader. Maybe it has diminished due to time or hectic schedules, but giving our kiddos the opportunity to read is always so important. One of the best ways our family has continued to have a love of literacy has been through visiting independent bookstores. Especially during the winter months, we are so grateful that Central Ohio is home to several family friendly shops. Be sure to check each bookstore out!
Cover to Cover: 2116 Arlington Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Website: Cover to Cover
Our family has been going to cover to cover for decades. The location in the heart of Upper Arlington has been there for almost a decade and management continues to put local heart into the location. You may find Cover to Cover selling books at Columbus Metropolitan Library events or partnering with schools during author events. But, our family loves the homey aspects of the shop and all of the programming opportunities; particularly the Saturday story times!
Birdie’s Books: 74 N State St, Westerville, OH 43081
Website: Birdies’s Books
Birdie’s Books has been a new to us find in the last year. Being on the northern end of Uptown Westerville and next to a semi-public parking lot, visiting is extremely accessible. Offering something for all ages and having many gift options, the older kids in our family love exploring all of the office supplies, while the toddler loves to see experience the kid’s section. Our favorite parts about the children’s section include the vast selection of board books and diverse books. Birdie Books is extremely welcoming, but picking up books like DJ Baby by DJ Burton and Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohen have added a layer of kindness that we truly appreciate.
Bean Bag Books: 25 W Winter St, Delaware, OH 43015
Website: Bean Bag Books
By far, this is the shop our family visits the most. A lot of this is because we love the community of Delaware, but mostly because Beanbag Books caters to every age in our family well. The preteen boy almost always finds a new Harry Potter book he appreciates, the teenage girl loves the selection of female-oriented graphic novels, and the toddler adores climbing in all of the shop’s cubby holes. Beanbag Books also has a plethora of story time options, arranges well known author visits (such as Laura Numeroff and Jason Reynolds), and hosts adult oriented book clubs; all of which are free programs to attend!
Prologue Bookshop: 841 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Prologue Bookshop
Located in the heart of the Short North Arts District, Prologue Bookshop is a relaxing reprieve from the hustle and bustle of downtown. A smaller shop, their children’s section is towards the side of the shop and they do have some small seating spaces. We really love how they partner with downtown non-profits for author signings and are often highlighted during WOSU Second Saturday events.
Gramercy Books: 2424 E Main St, Bexley, OH 43G209
Website: Gramercy Books
What else goes well with a good book? A warm drink and pastry! Gramercy Books is attached to Kittie’s Cakes, a local coffee and pastry shop. While they have a smaller children’s section, Gramercy Books is extremely cozy and they are more than willing to order any book you would like. Be sure to checkout their programs and author visits; in October 2024 they are partnering with The Drexel Theater to host a Pre-Halloween celebration R.L. Stine! We particularly love picking up gifts from them-as they have a full complimentary gift wrap station.
The Book Loft: 631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: The Book Loft
The Book Loft is a Columbus icon! With 32 rooms full of books and literacy items for sale, The Book Loft truly has something for everyone. While the shop is not stroller friendly (there are parking opportunities outside), this is perfect for the young kiddo who is a climber or preteen looking to re-spark their imagination by getting lost. The children’s section is on the lowest level in the front of the building, several flights of stairs up and down are needed to get there! Our family has always appreciated the amount of Early Reader books they have in stock and enjoyed playing with some of the dolls from children’s books.
What’s your favorite book store in Columbus? Share with us!
