I don't even know how to begin to describe this store. So many floors I believe five? For a book lover it's like visiting the Mecca of Midwest bookstores. Owners are fantastic people and so knowledgeable about various genres of literature. Warning: Make sure you're not gonna be doing any other shopping after you stop in here because you're gonna walk out with plenty of books! read more

Great local bookstore with a welcoming atmosphere and a thoughtfully curated selection. The staff were friendly and helpful. I enjoyed browsing and found exactly what I was looking for. I'll definitely be back! read more

This is a cool and big used bookstore. There are some special editions and they do book binding and repair. There is a basement and then several floors to spend time checking out books. The service was really nice. There are a lot of older books and not as many newer books. I did think that the sections were well organized and alphabetized so it made it easier to search through. The prices were good as well. It's a nice place to come and browse and look for a hidden gem of a read. read more

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Used books are a treasure! This store extended their hours to accommodate a large number of high school and college teachers from all over the country who happened to be in town for a week. Like any quality bookstore, the Ohio Bookstore has a great collection of old and recent and unusual books. The employees at the store were very helpful. When I requested to see their inventory of music books, a woman led me to two sections, one on the main floor that had sheet music, and one on the lower floor that had books about music. Their inventory was large, but like any used bookstore, you are limited to what they have. I bought two books, one sheet music book and one from the dollar shelf outside. If and when I return to Cincinnati, I hope to visit this bookstore again. read more

Ohio Book Store - The front of the store! - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This bookstore is like stepping back in time. It is four floors and the upper two floors feel like you're in a library. They have an incredible cookbook section and a lot of rare books as well. read more

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Ohio Book Store is by far the largest bookstore I have ever seen. Five floors, including a basement and a book binding area. We explored for almost an hour and it felt like time was stopped while looking through the books. All used books and filled with low priced books. I ended up purchasing 2 cookbooks at $3 each. I could have looks for several more hours if I had the time. If you have the time you should definitely carve out an afternoon for browsing. read more

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This place is a gem. Family owned and run. They have some of the most unique selections I've ever seen. I've been to several used bookstores around usa. They had literature selections from 1800s I got there close to closing time. I'd need a few hours to really get a good look around. The owners are so kind and welcoming. Chatted a bit as I checked out. Let me know they'll gladly search for any book we may be hunting for. Stop by, find a tressure. read more

Great destination for a weekend joint. You can spend hours digging through all of the amazing books. read more

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Wow. Wow. Wow. This store is AMAZING! It's an absolute paradise for book lovers. How has it taken me this long to visit? It should be first on your list of cool places in Cincinnati patronize. First of all, it is cavernous and fills three full floors - plus, a basement. The ground floor has cases of first editions and other bookish ephemera, making it a collector's dream. The entire store, in fact, is filled with hints of the past, from framed prints and maps to a mysterious vault door to an entire section dedicated to vintage Life magazines. In so many ways reminds me of Acres of Books in Long Beach, a sadly defunct, much beloved bookstore. But Ohio Book Store is still here and going strong. It makes me so happy to know that places like this can survive. I'll be spending hours here I just know it. read more

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Superb, huge second hand bookstore. Friendly staff. The kind of place you can get happily lost for hours!

If you can't find it, you must not need it. Amazing selection of old books. A person could get lost in here for hours!

I am going to post a short review because I did not get to browse as much as I would like to. My friend that was with me is not into books but I certainly am and I will be returning to this store to go through some of the stacks of books they have. I still ended up purchasing several books before we got out of there and they were all at good prices for hardback books. There is plenty to see and everything I asked from the clerk he knew where it was. I do know there are some places to sit inside and there is a restroom available. read more

Ohio Book Store - Oh my. Books!?! - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I initially found this shop on a Yelp search specifically for stationery. While I had some other local shops specific to that on my list, I'm glad I made time to get in here. At the entrance, the first thing to catch my eye was the rack of old postcards from all over. Most of them aching to be used. Now, I didn't really come looking for books but their collection is incredible. An absolute slew of both old and new books. The first several sections featured Ohio-specific books, mostly nonfiction. Then there's an array of classics, modern reprints, leather bound and beautifully presented. At about the middle of the store were some glass cases with more than just books on display. There I came across the most captivating "Mutoscope" cards. Behind these displays was a colorful collection of old magazines from Life going back to the early 1900s. All of this sapped my time and I never even made it to the basement or second floor. The guys working here were very friendly and great to talk to, even giving me advice on where else to check out in Cincinnati. I would highly recommend a visit for all. read more

I was hoping this would be a bit like the Book Loft in Columbus. Yes and No. It's a little overwhelming and doesn't seem to have a flow. It's seems like there's an attempt to keep some genres together but if I am looking for SciFi I would think it would be in the same floor with the rest of the Fiction not in the basement with Military History. I'd expect all the history to be on one floor but I feel like it's on every floor. Areas are sometimes labeled clearly , sometimes not. I wish there was a map. They have a TON of books most are older (think library sale). When I say a ton I mean it, floor to ceiling, stacked in corners. I don't know what their process is if they rotate the top shelf books down so everything can get looked at. They do provide ladders on the tall shelves. They have a lot of local history books and items which it really cool. They also still do book bindings. There's a whole workshop in the basement. I found a couple things but like I said it's a little overwhelming. After my first walk through just browsing I went back and found some sections I wanted to really look through. Make sure you have a few hours chucked out for your visit. The building itself is really cool. Being in a whole floor full of books by yourself is neat and kinda weird. No bad creepy vibes felt in the building so that's a plus. It's definitely a cool place to check out just be prepared to spend some time there. read more

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All new books it seemed like. They had a huge 32! Room selection anything and everything you can think of. It is a little tight in places but it is old building put together. Such a cool experience. read more

One of the coolest bookstores I have ever been to. They have all sorts of obscure stuff. A great place to browse for hours.

This is by far the best place for great old (or not) Books on the PLANET!!! The family that owns the store is often buying large collections and sometimes individual books over the counter!!! They truly care for the store as it is kept very clean. The whole group of them is kind and always willing to help customers find or order what they are looking for. The binding operation is relaxed while at the same time exacting on high standards the binders set for themselves. Large selection of Catholic and Protestant books in the Religious section. Some of these date to the 19th Century. A worthwhile trip jor a book lover!!!!! read more

My favorite place to grab books, prices are great for used books and the the older lady and gentleman are kind a knowledgeable. I enjoy walking in every time I visit. Such a nice gem in Cincinnati. read more

I'm a sucker for a bookstore, especially when it smells like old books and feels like a treasure hunt. I've got two degrees in literature so I have an unhealthy relationship with books. I love looking through the stacks here, and oh the rare books! The first and illustrated editions! True love. If you love books, you need to stop in. And there's a magic to it, no matter how many other people are there it still feels like you're alone in your own book heaven. read more

Nostalgic. By far this is one of the Best Locally owned bookstores in Cincinnati. Inside there are Multiple floors with a mountain of books to choose from. This place is for Book lovers and the likes. It's wonderful seeing a bookstore of this caliber functioning fully, serving the community, preserving books, and history. The experience was lovely -loved it. Paid parking nearby. Parking rates begin around $5. read more

Ohio Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

What a cool bookstore! And I had no idea it existed so close to my workplace! I didn't have time to browse as much as I wanted, but I will definitely go back. It's in this very old and unique building, and the store owner has had his bookstore there since the 1960's. There are rows and rows of new and used books and multiple stories. I had almost as much fun exploring the building as I did looking at the books! What a cool spot, all Cincinnatians should visit! There is street parking and a paid open parking lot behind the building in between 7th and 8th streets. read more

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If you love: *books *reading *book covers *illustrations *titles *history *colors *quiet time *textures *fonts *the smell of old books *old buildings *fun adventures *or taking photos of any of the afore mentioned things...go here! I spent 3 hours there by myself one day, and bought three pretty old cool books (one for me and two for my nieces) for the low low price of only $12! read more

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I like the store and the staff are all very nice. But I do have one complaint. While I've heard that collectors like the store, I find their habit of blacking out the original price on paperbacks annoying. It is an old bookseller's way of making sure people aren't confused about the book's price, but most of us are more sophisticated these days. They pencil in the price on the first page, which is enough. Defacing the book covers just isn't necessary. Other than that, it's a great place. read more

cozy reading nooks are an added bonus. Whether you're a casual reader or a hardcore bookworm, this bookstore has something for everyone.

Loved it! There are endless selections... there are even old and vintage newspapers. There are books over anything so you will definitely find what you need. The workers were so sweet and helpful! read more

Oh my goodness. We honestly had to tear ourselves away from here. What looks like a standard used bookstore hides an eclectic and rare collection of books that left me wanting to peruse the shelves over and over. Few were the hot-ticket best sellers of the recent past. Instead, obscure religious textbooks,crazy-cool science textbooks, hilariously out of date computer-language texts, books half-disintegrated, foreign-language texts, and a nice collection of vintage Playboy magazines. A crazy little corner with some manga and science fiction in the basement. It's like a IRL warehouse of my brain, minus the Harry Potter. Three stories of my brain, all dusty and cluttered and I could leave, but why? There were lots of doors, some locked, some opening to ductwork or a dusty storeroom. The lights on the third floor went off while I was up there (they are on a sensor) and scared me half to death. It's that kind of place. They do have a bookbinding shop in the basement, if you are in need, or need a purchase repaired. We walked out with several items, and I regret not buying a text on fluid imbalances in the body. Shucks. Next time! read more

So, I first discovered Ohio Book Store one day when I had nothing better to do but wander aimlessly downtown. (people watching is one of my favorite pastimes) I was wandering down main street and said to my self "A book store?" Upon entering I found a book store unlike an other. There weren't a lot of bestsellers by name brand authors or piles of dime store paper backs recommended be Oprah. Ohio Book Store has what I call meaty books. On the first floor they have a floor to ceiling collection of books from many genres including a huge selection for local interest. I can only guess, but I imagine they make a killing with genealogists. Ohio Book Store is a book store for people who just love old books. It always makes me think of Fahrenheit 451. I always check out the cookbooks and I have found a couple food writing books, that I know I would never find on the shelf in any other store, even if they were still in print. I suspect that they make most of their revenue off of the bookbinding shop in the basement, as I am usually the lone browser when I go there. This bookstore is great if you have a couple hours to kill just being curious. On one of the upper levels I found a section of instruction books that were published mid century, how to be a wife and manners for children. I was floored to discover that my mother was a terrible wife... I don't think I ever saw her take my fathers shoes off for him. All and all Ohio bookstore is not where I would go to find a specific book but if I have time to kill downtown this is where you will find me, and I never leave empty handed. read more

Beware of the Ohio Book Store if you 1) like books or old magazines or maps or cool things in general and 2) have any money or a credit card on you, because this store will make you suddenly need things you didn't even know existed. A copy of Life magazine from the year you were born? What about the year your girlfriend was born? And your cousin? Oh, and vintage cookbooks? And coffee table art books? And cool old maps? And Cincinnati postcards? Oh, yeah, they've got that. And more, my friends. AND MORE. First editions, second editions, last editions, whatever, they've got so many books they probably have what you're looking for. Or, as the case may be, didn't even know you were looking for. It's amazing. Go there, but try to make sure you have a very set idea of how much you want to spend, because you will certainly be tempted. read more

I was surprised with a trip to Ohio Book Store. I'd never heard of it and nearly fell over when I was led inside. Piles of vintage books in terrific condition at decent prices, stacks of old Life and National Geographic magazines, historic Ohio books (including the Revised Code from 1812) and more fill the FIVE FLOORS of the store. I was told, before arriving, that the 45 minutes we had wouldn't suffice. I thought, "What kind of store can't be navigated in 45 minutes?" Now i know. I could have spent a day in there and still missed a great deal of the offerings. read more

When you think of "used bookstore," images of dusty shelves crammed full of romance paperbacks from 1985 might be the first thing to come to mind, but nothing could be farther from the Ohio Book Store. Yes, there are wall-to-wall books of every genre, but you won't find dusty shelves or romance paperbacks. Instead, you'll find out of print books, specialist manuals, local history books, first editions, gorgeously preserved antique books and more inside a very bright and clean shop. Staff are incredibly helpful and really know their stuff. Possibly the coolest thing about Ohio Book Store, however, is their archival services, where they rescue, repair and rebind books. I had several spiral bound genealogy books with paper jackets that were starting to fall apart from years of use and aging plastic, and Ohio Book Store turned them into lovely hard-bound books of archival quality - and at a very affordable price. They allow you to choose the color and finish of the backing, as well as what will be stamped on the cover and spine. Another great feature of their archival services is the clamshell archival boxes they produce to store old books. I had one made for an 1830 family Bible that was in poor shape, but which I didn't want to compromise the integrity of by having it rebound, since the original jacket was a fine old leather. The craftsmanship of the archival box was top quality, and for no extra charge they stamped my chosen wording onto the front of the box. I am so glad Ohio Book Store is thriving in downtown Cincinnati. read more

A diamond in the rough. I could spend hours in this book store. As a Creative Director, I'm often design decks of my work for the client to have after a new business pitch, and their binding department can work magic. They can bind just about everything. It's like walking into the past, a better, much simpler time. Oh, and if you're looking for a good history lesson on the city, spend some time in the CIncinnati section. Where to go: Downstairs. I'm not telling you what's down there, go check it out for yourself. read more

When I die, sprinkle my ashes along the third floor of Ohio Bookstore. I am a bibliophile, hardcore. Always have been and always will be. I love old books, new books, fiction, nonfiction, and the more book i can get for my buck, the better. While I love a fresh, uncracked spine, there's something about used books that is undeniably appealing, that sense of being loved and enjoyed for ages, and then passed along for someone new to stumble upon unexpectedly. The community of book lovers might not be as big as it once was, but we're more passionate than ever when it comes the physical page of the written word, and Ohio Bookstore is our Mecca, our Nirvana, our heaven and perfect bliss, the quiet, dusty place where you could get lost for days and you're pissed the parking meters outside only give you an hour. I got a little emotional there on the third floor, where the aisles of books stretch so deep you wonder if there's an end, where you have to flip on the ancient, buzzing fluorescent lights as you go between aisles to save energy, feeling like this is your own personal discovery, a treasure trove of beautiful tomes from serious academia to pulp novels, even though you're only one of the thousands to climb those stairs and flip those switches, and who probably felt just as inspired and excited and relieved that such a secret world could even still exist today. The Ohio Bookstore is for you if you've ever loaded up more books than you could carry at the library and found yourself wishing you could keep them forever instead of a measly two weeks. If a finding a first edition of a seminal text you've been dying to get your hands for $5 makes your day, your weekend, maybe even your month. If you are reluctant about eReaders, while appreciative of the democratization of publishing, but still think nothing compares to the physical heft of a book in your hands, pages turning between your fingers. If you are one of us who loves books, who can never get enough, who dreams of a personal library with giant walls full of volumes, who annoys your loved ones with your to-read piles and already-read piles that don't fit on the shelf, then go to the Ohio Bookstore. Indulge yourself, load up on reading material, and revel in the knowledge that you've found the meaning of life, the fountain of youth, and the origin of love, all in one creaky brick building, tucked unassumingly into downtown Cincinnati. read more

I walked into this place today and it felt unreal. They were closing in 30 minutes and I still found six books to buy and for the total of $26. I could get lost in here all day. Plus, I knew it was going to be awesome just because right when I walked in Jim Tarbell was standing there. If Jim Tarbell goes some where you can pretty much just assume it's legit. read more

Ohio Book Store - Overlooking. - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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A four-story shop nestled along 7th and Main, The Ohio Bookstore is filled with over 300,000 reads of history, local culture and everything in between. Originating in 1940, one of the shop's first employees purchased the building in the 1970s and continues to run the store today. I come to Ohio Bookstore for their vintage finds, not to stock up on any new releases. This is the shop where you can find textbooks from the 1950s, cookbooks from your Grandparents' youth, old magazines and circulars, newspapers, instruction manuals for old machines... anything that may seem outdated to a big corporate store. Being a absorber of anything historic, I can "literaturly" spend hours looking through the stacks at this store. Don't miss the upstairs levels either! There's a door leading through a winding fire escape stairwell that looks like it's for employees only. It's not. It leads you to rooms full of more magical texts. In addition to selling books, Ohio Book Store specializes in book binding. They've been doing it for over 70 years and know how to fix even the oldest, most decrepit books. First, pages are sewn back together, then the leather cover is applied. And yes, they can recreate an identical new cover from one that is falling apart. Whether you need a favorite novel refurbished or your family bible is in disarray, Ohio Book Store can fix it for you. I recently discovered this store also does personalization on leathergoods, and for more than just books. Wallets, belts, brief cases, and guitar straps are just some of the items you can customize. This store keeps getting better and better! If you're like me and fascinated with vintage reads, you'll be right at home at the Ohio Book Store. read more

Ohio Book Store seems like it's my own personal used books treasure house. It's never really busy, the owners seem preoccupied up front and let you browse as long as you like, and the 4 floors of books are right up my alley - many many books from the 1950s 60s 70s, often from weeded library collections from around the region. Ohio Books isn't very useful if you're looking for an specific old book - it's a browser's bookstore. I've stumbled on things there I thought I'd never come across, like my fourth grade geography book! Their religion books section is huge, and they have thousands and thousands of old childrens books. The guys up front at the front desk seem to love their work and their bookstore. They are unfailingly polite if not overly chatty. The store closes early - 4:45 pm Monday-Saturday. Give yourself plenty of time to browse -- each floor is quite huge. read more

I never thought I'd say this--and it seems impossible--but I think Ohio Book Store may have too many books. It's a wonderful, eclectic, bizarre store that feels vaguely haunted. I didn't see any ghosts, but it sure felt like a few could be wafting about. The fiction floor was so huge that you turned the lights on yourself for the aisle you wanted to look at; kind of like the stacks in Harvard's Widener Library. They just go on forever. Unfortunately they are full of books I don't want and that's why I didn't give the store five stars. The only finds from my two-hour visit were out of the rare and collectible cabinets on the first floor and they were priced accordingly. I couldn't find anything (and my tastes are pretty universal) in the rows upon rows of books. Weird. read more

Are you a fan of vintage books and magazines? Do you wake up in the morning wanting nothing more than to flip through the pages of a book that has existed longer than you have even been on this planet? Do you enjoy climbing numerous flights of stairs, only to find that you are in a maze of literature, the likes of which you will never be truly be able to comprehend? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Ohio Book Store is the place for you. Located on Main Street downtown, the Ohio Book Store is THE place to go in Cincinnati for vintage reading material, whether it be books, magazines, or yearbooks from the 1950 something class of Xavier graduates. If it was printed, chances are, the Ohio Book Store has it. Even with such a massive amount of material, the Ohio Book store is very well laid out, spanning five stories or so, each of which play home to their own specific genre. Still can't find what you are looking for? Just ask one of the gentlemen who work there, and they will be more than happy to help you out. In addition to books and magazines, the Ohio Book Store also has quite a few different prints for sale throughout the store, with what seems to be a specific focus on Cincinnati and Greater Cincinnati history. Not only are these super interesting to look at it, they make excellent gifts for friends and family members! However, the Ohio Book Store doesn't stop at simply being a retail shop. In addition, they also have their own, original, book bindery located in the basement which not only binds books, but also offer repair services for customer's books as well. The Ohio Book Store is just one of the many things that makes Cincinnati the special place it is. Do yourself a favor, and check this place out! read more

This is what an book store is supposed to look and feel like. Endless shelves of mostly well organized books stacked to the ceiling. Currently my favorite old book store in the city as many of the others are struggling or have recently closed. They have a great art book selection of antique and more recent books. There is a nice collection of old magazines which I occasionally peruse for items to add to my still life paintings. I needed some old Hot Rod magazines for a painting idea and they had boxes from the 50s to now for reasonable prices. There is a basement and two upper floors filled with books and periodicals. If youve never been, fill the parking meter and set aside some time. They often have cheap deals out on the street with books and catalogs for sale for a huge discount. The staff is friendly and will help you if they can. Obviously they have so much, its tough to ask for something specific, but they can point you in the right direction. read more

Ohio Book Store - Second floor filled with old books. - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I almost don't want to review this place because I'm afraid of having to share the third floor with anyone else. You'll need at least half a day to even understand the layout of these books, and another couple days to attempt to sort through them all. The store is incredibly peaceful, which is important because you'll need to not be preoccupied with any external sounds in order to understand how the books are arranged. (Good luck!) There may not be a rhyme to it at all, and for all I can presume, maybe there's even a house elf buried amongst the shelves. Doesn't matter. Go check it out, if only for the $1.00/book tables scattered around. This was a totally unexpected find in downtown and I am so excited to stop in regularly. Thanks, Ohio! read more

Ohio Book Store - third floor fiction - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love this place! I could spend hours walking and discovering all sorts of interesting books. Their selection of leather-bound books is impressive. You never know what you'll find. read more