If indie book shops are your favorite places to spend time, look no further than Ohio.
When we say ‘indie,’ we mean small and alternative or non-mainstream. An indie bookshop is probably not a chain store. It doesn’t have to have a sofa and a cat, and it doesn’t have to sell new books. It could be dedicated to one genre or specialty, or even in a foreign language.
Following this list will take you across Ohio and into book shops much-loved by travelers and locals. You can, of course, contact them by phone or website if there is something you need to be sent by courier, but ultimately, these are places you want to spend time in.
The Book Loft of German Village
The Book Loft of German Village is the first on our list because of its name. In Columbus, Ohio, its interior and exterior also make it a highly regarded indie book shop. It has a range of books to browse and interesting corners to get lost in, but what makes The Book Loft of German Village unique is its courtyard garden.
Its building is from the pre-Civil War era, and its many rooms are home to all kinds of books. Visit for book-related gifts and coffee too.
Loganberry Books
In Cleveland, Ohio, Loganberry Books is where people go to find rare books. It has a huge inventory of various genres of books. What also makes this book shop very indie-special is its collectibles. If you are missing one or two or building your first collection, Loganberry can help you get them.
Loganberry sells new, used, and collectibles and has been operating since 1994. Community-minded, if you can’t find it in the store, they can help you find what you are looking for online.
Bill’s Books and More
In Canton, Ohio, What makes Bill’s Books and More one of the best indie book shops in Ohio is its specialism: comic books and graphic novels. It is home to a huge collection and a team that will help you find what you need.
Not only is it a high-quality comic book store, but it also has a toy room too where you can buy new toys and collectible merchandise. Sometimes, sought-after collectibles come in and you’d have to be quick to get there first.
Bill’s Books and More has a comic book-themed website, which only adds to its indie charm.
Prologue Book Shop
Prologue is on this list because of its book selection and because of how it treats its staff. Yes, booksellers should be loved no matter which book shop they work in, but this community-minded book shop treats its staff well, and in doing so, it creates an inclusive atmosphere. The community also benefits from the profits of the book shop, which should only increase local support.
Though Prologue is a new bookshop, its indie charm is what it gives back to the community and how that impacts readers and reading in general.
Learned Owl Book Shop
In Hudson, Ohio, the Learned Owl has been open since the 1960s and has expanded from a small shop to a much larger space.
Although much has changed in the world since they opened, what they have kept is the love of books and the experience of reading with others and privately. There are regular screenings and author meet-and-greets.
An indie old-school favorite, the Learned Owl gives you a great selection of titles and informative staff.
Zawadi Books
If you’re looking to support a family-run book shop, Zawadi Books is on our list of best indie book shops in Ohio.
Found in Columbus, Ohio, not only is it a family affair that sells books, but it also sells other items in its specialism. For black culture books and art, look no further than Zawadi Books.
If you need gifts, household items, or pieces of artwork, Zawadi is a must-visit.
Fireside Book Shop
A specialist book shop that is more than 50 years old, Fireside has gems of books, including children’s books, to go through. It is a smaller shop compared to chain stores, but on its three floors, you can also find unique titles.
In Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Fireside has regular book clubs and book signings. It has a little something for everyone in the family too, as well as a gift and stationery section.
Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse
The last book shop on our list is aptly named the Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse. It is a book shop, a vinyl shop, and a coffee shop. Frequented by university students and book/vinyl-loving locals, it cultivates an atmosphere for creative and bookish people.
In Kent, Ohio, it is a place for music and poetry and not just for reading, coffee, and book shopping, but those three do remain central to its service.
If you have ever needed a reason to visit Ohio, please enjoy the six listed here today. Best with family, friends, or even on your own, these book shops offer the best of indie. They are all independent, much-loved, expertly curated, and devoted to their communities.