Consistently ranked one of the country’s most interesting,independent bookstores (see the U.S. News & World Report article from this past spring, for instance), The Book Loft is one of many small, thriving businesses that give Columbus its charm.
Commute from Campus:
35 minutes
Home Sweet Home:
The Book Loft’s pre-Civil War building was once a general store, saloon, and nickelodeon cinema. Now, this city block-long building is home to 32 rooms of bargain books with some puzzles, posters, music, and greeting cards, too. The Loft is nestled in Columbus’ German Village, which, with its stone roads and brick houses, is one of the most sought-after places to live in the city.
A Bibliophile’s Dream:
Of course, The Book Loft carries the standard classics. You can find your Jane Austen and James Baldwin, as well as Danielle Steel and Dr. Seuss. However, with 32 rooms, it is able to offer a much wider scope, including three rooms of cookbooks and separate rooms for graphic novels, military history, transportation (sailing, trains, aircraft, etc.), Ohio, and much more.
Writers’ Talk:
The Book Loft is also committed to hosting and supporting writers. Every week, it hosts writers for readings and book signings. It also frequently partners with Columbus libraries and high schools to expose authors to different audiences.
Coffee, too:
German Village has no shortage of places to grab a cup of Joe after you spend several hours perusing books. With high-grade coffee beans roasted in small batches, you can always expect a delicious cup of coffee at Stauf’s Coffee Roasters, and a walk to the end of the block brings you to Pistacia Vera, a pastry kitchen and café known for its macaroons and croissants. With a pastry on the table and an espresso and book in hand, you may never want to leave.