
Best Destinations for Book Lovers in Columbus, Ohio, United States
1. Columbus Metropolitan Library
A network of libraries offering a vast collection of books, author talks, and unique programs for book lovers.
- Book Collection Size: One of the largest library systems in the U.S., with millions of items available.
- Author Talks and Workshops: Regular events featuring local, national, and international authors.
- Unique Programs: Programs like Book Bingo, Poetry Slams, and Writing Clubs for various interests.
2. Thurber House
The historic home of humorist James Thurber, offering writing workshops, author events, and tours.
- Writing Workshops: Workshops for all ages and skill levels, taught by established authors.
- James Thurber Exhibits: Permanent exhibits showcasing original artwork, manuscripts, and personal artifacts.
- Author Events: Regular author events featuring both local and nationally recognized writers.
3. Wexner Center for the Arts
A contemporary art museum with a focus on books through film screenings, exhibitions, and lectures.
- Film Screenings: Screenings of films based on literature, often accompanied by discussions with directors or authors.
- Art Exhibitions: Exhibitions showcasing art inspired by books and literature.
- Lectures and Panels: Lectures and panels discussing various aspects of literature, art, and culture.
4. Ohio State University Libraries
A vast academic library system with special collections dedicated to literature and the arts.
- Special Collections: Collections focused on authors, literary movements, and specific genres.
- Research Assistance: Access to research assistance from expert librarians and archivists.
- Exhibits and Events: Exhibitions, lectures, and events focused on literature, arts, and culture.
5. The Book Loft
A massive used bookstore with nine connected rooms offering a wide variety of books.
- Size and Variety: Nine connected rooms filled with over 125,000 books in various genres.
- Used Books: A vast selection of used books at affordable prices.
- Friendly Staff: Knowledgeable staff to help guide your literary exploration.
6. Grandview Heights Public Library
A small but vibrant library offering unique programs and a collection of books.
- Book Collection Size: A smaller, carefully curated collection of books for more personalized exploration.
- Unique Programs: Programs like Lit Up! Book Club and Author Visits for engaging literary experiences.
- Community Feel: A tight-knit community atmosphere, fostering a love of literature.
7. Columbus Academy Library
A private school library offering a collection of books, author visits, and workshops for young readers.
- Young Readers Focus: An extensive collection focused on children's literature, graphic novels, and young adult fiction.
- Author Visits: Regular visits from popular children's authors for engaging storytelling experiences.
- Writing Workshops: Workshops teaching creative writing and storytelling for young people.
8. Columbus College of Art & Design Library
A college library with a focus on art and design books, including books on illustration and graphic novels.
- Art and Design Focus: An extensive collection of art and design books, including those on illustration and graphic novels.
- Research Assistance: Access to research assistance from expert librarians and archivists.
- Exhibitions and Events: Exhibitions, lectures, and events focused on art, design, and literature.
9. The Ohio State University Rare Books & Manuscripts Library
A library dedicated to the study of rare books, manuscripts, and archives.
- Rare Books and Manuscripts: An extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and archives.
- Research Assistance: Access to research assistance from expert librarians and archivists.
- Exhibitions and Events: Exhibitions, lectures, and events focused on rare books, manuscripts, and their historical context.
10. Capital University Library
A university library with a focus on literature, the arts, and humanities.
- Literature Focus: An extensive collection of books in literature, the arts, and humanities.
- Research Assistance: Access to research assistance from expert librarians and archivists.
- Exhibitions and Events: Exhibitions, lectures, and events focused on literature, arts, and humanities.
11. Ohio History Connection Library
A library dedicated to Ohio history with a significant focus on books and literature.
- Ohio History Focus: An extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and archives focused on Ohio history.
- Research Assistance: Access to research assistance from expert librarians and archivists.
- Exhibitions and Events: Exhibitions, lectures, and events focused on Ohio history, literature, and culture.
12. The Drink Coffee Do Stuff Building
A creative office space housing bookstores, art galleries, and coffee shops.
- Mixed Space: A unique combination of bookstores, art galleries, and coffee shops.
- Creative Environment: A space designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and intellectual exploration.
- Community Feel: A tight-knit community atmosphere, fostering a love of literature, art, and coffee.
13. Coffee and Comics
A cafe specializing in comic books, graphic novels, and related merchandise.
- Comic Books Focus: An extensive collection of comic books, graphic novels, and related merchandise.
- Creative Environment: A space designed to inspire creativity, discussion, and appreciation of the art form.
- Community Feel: A tight-knit community atmosphere for comic book enthusiasts and creators.
14. The Secret Garden Bookshop
An independent bookstore offering a cozy environment for browsing and reading.
- Independent Bookstore: A curated selection of books from various genres, catering to diverse tastes.
- Cozy Environment: A comfortable and inviting space for reading and browsing.
- Community Feel: A community-oriented bookstore that fosters a love of literature among its patrons.
15. The Book Loft Annex
An extension of The Book Loft offering a unique browsing experience in the historic German Village.
- Size and Variety: Seven interconnected rooms filled with over 85,000 books.
- Used Books: A vast selection of used books at affordable prices.
- Historic German Village: Located in a historic neighborhood, adding to the unique browsing experience.