Best Local Bookstores In Cleveland
It is no secret that Clevelanders love to read. We have one of the most vibrant library systems in the country (if not the world) and there are bookstores in every community. These include national chains down to the small "owner in the back" shops that cater to the locals. So where do the writers of Cleveland go when they want to find something new or hard to locate? Here are some recommendations from a few locals.
Old Erie Book Store (Credit, Mark Horning)
Old Erie Book Store
2128 E. 9th St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 575-0743
www.olderiestreetbooks.com
Old Erie Street Book Store is a downtown Cleveland institution that has been in business since 1976. These days, the shop is open primarily by appointment only with most of its business coming from internet sales. Old Erie Street Book Store is the kind of place where if it doesn't have a particular title in stock, it will scour the country for a copy. Hours are by appointment only or you may purchase from the extensive listing on the website.
Horizontal Books (Credit, Mark Horning)
Horizontal Books
1921 W. 25th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 298-4411
www.horizontalbooks.com
Located a stone's throw away from West Side Market, this unique thrift book shop has one suggestion for its customers. If you see it and like it, buy it, because it may not be here tomorrow. Horizontal Books is in the business of moving massive quantities of new books very quickly. Every day it has literally tons of books arrive, sorted, put on the shelves and sold in the blink of an eye. The reason books move so quickly through the doors is simple. Buy one book and receive a 50-percent discount. Buy two books and receive a 60-percent discount and buy three or more books and receive a 70-percent discount. You can guess what most customers choose while browsing the rough-hewed library-like shelves that cover the entire store space. This is a rustic place to find pristine brand new books of current titles.
Related: Best Places To Read Your Book With Coffee In Cleveland
Macs Backs Books on Coventry (Credit, Mark Horning)
Mac's Backs Books on Coventry
1820 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 321-2665
www.macsbacks.com
Mac's Books began in 1978, and after a variety of moves, landed at its present location on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights (1984). This store is a favorite of nearly every writer in Cleveland. It is the kind of place where you can find used and new books, CDs, handmade postcards, paperbacks and more from its three-floor selection of classics, mysteries, science fiction, contemporary fiction and non-fiction. There are also poetry readings on the second Wednesday of each month, plus you never know who will drop by. Mac's hosts readings, book signings, author events, book clubs and writing workshops. It also provides a free community meeting space for groups and organizations. Once you have found your treasure, you can go through the bookstore to Tommy's for an excellent milkshake while you check out your find.
Related: Best Local Poets In Cleveland
Appletree Books (Credit, Mark Horning)
Appletree Books
12419 Cedar Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
(216) 791-2665
www.appletree-books.com
Appletree Books is another east side staple that has been in the Cedar/Fairmont shopping plaza in Cleveland Heights since 1975. It has been touted as "a delightful oasis in a sea of cookie cutter bookstores where the unexpected is expected." Appletree Books offers a wide selection of new adult and children's books as well as greeting cards, calendars and journals. It does not carry magazines or used books.
Visible Voice
1023 Kenilworth Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 961-0084
www.visiblevoicebooks.com
Visible Voice is certainly not your average run-of-the-mill bookstore. It has been serving the Tremont neighborhood since 2007. Visible Voice serves beer and wine, and has a courtyard that is open during the warmer months. The shop sponsors a ton of events each year including book clubs, writers' workshops and community groups. It also hosts special events at the store, including "author visits and signings, events in conjunction with the monthly Tremont Art Walk, and readings by local authors and open mic poetry evenings."
Mark Horning is a freelance writer covering all things Cleveland. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
