Fortunately enough for us, despite the 21st century’s obsession with all things electronic and hip to modern day technology, our beloved books in all of their ink on paper, page-flipping glory aren’t going anywhere. At least here in Cleveland, they aren’t. If anything, the book scene is being entirely revamped. With a move away from corporatized bookstores, local is taking over and allowing us book-nerds proper, and even exciting, venues to get lost in during the search for our latest reads. After all, the thrill of the hunt is all a part of the experience – receiving an Amazon package on your doorstep just doesn’t provide the same excitement.
Now, right in the heart of Ohio City lies, Horizontal Books, expertly located right on West 25th next to good, old Townhall. From the outside, this bookshop might not appear to be much more than a discount store, but low and behold as soon as you walk in you will be overwhelmed by the options and shopper-friendly categorization of this shop. Better yet, the more books you buy, the bigger the discount you receive. Yes, you read that correctly. Depending on the number of books you buy, the discount percentage you receive on the price of the books will increase, with the possibility of getting 70% off. Take advantage. Stock up. The books you see on any such visit are likely to change, as they are consistently bringing in new books to keep you intrigued. Get your fix in, head over to Townhall, grab a Kickstarter in the café, and make a day out of it. I promise, you won’t regret it.
Further down West 25th, Zubal Books also finds its home. If you’re looking for a book on the rarer side, there are few better places to encounter. With a unique history, tied together with trips to The Salvation Army and the assumption of a Twinkie factory, this company holds a vast amount of pride and heart in their works, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. While their browsable selection is limited (although still vast), the entire selection is only $5.00, regardless of online pricings. As for the rest of their collection, you can shop their inventory online, as this is their way of making rare books available to people all across the globe. Check out their collection, and you just might find what you never knew you were missing.
Within the historic Larchmere neighborhood of Cleveland resides Loganberry Books, host to all varieties of new, used, and rare books. Walking into Loganberry involves being engulfed into another realm, of which seems as though it is straight from a movie. With towering bookshelves, homey décor, and a friendly feline gallivanting around, Loganberry is an experience in and of itself that would be a shame to miss out on. In all honesty, Loganberry is worth a visit to, at the very least, see the community-wide collaboration – a book mural residing on its walls, up-close and in-person. Make it during a time when Loganberry is hosting one of its many events, and you’ve got yourself a day well-spent.
While, this may be just an introduction to the Cleveland book scene, these places offer something for every taste and interest and are sure to keep you busy for months to come (if not indefinitely). Embrace what Cleveland has to offer, and embark upon your next book-finding frenzy.
Book lovers rejoice, to not is a questionable choice.
