Best Bookstores & Libraries in Columbus, United States
1. The Book Loft
A nine-story labyrinth of books, The Book Loft offers a unique browsing experience with over 365 rooms filled with titles.
- Uniqueness: Nine-story labyrinth structure makes it stand out.
- Variety: Over 365 rooms filled with a vast selection of books.
- Experience: A memorable, immersive experience for book lovers.
2. Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main Branch)
The largest public library in Columbus, offering books, e-resources, and community events.
- Size: Largest public library in Columbus with a vast collection.
- Community Engagement: Provides community events, programs, and resources.
- Technology Integration: Offers e-resources like e-books and online databases.
3. Grandview Heights Public Library
A cozy community library featuring local author readings, story times for kids, and a charming outdoor space.
- Community Focus: Hosts events like local author readings and story times.
- Outdoor Space: Features a charming outdoor space for reading and relaxation.
- Neighborhood Integration: Located in the vibrant Grandview Heights neighborhood.
4. Thurber House
The childhood home of James Thurber, now a literary center offering workshops and events.
- Historic Significance: Former residence of renowned author James Thurber.
- Workshops & Events: Offers workshops and events for aspiring writers.
- Literary Center: A hub for literary arts in Columbus.
5. Eco-Books & Gifts
An independent bookstore offering a wide range of eco-friendly books and sustainable gifts.
- Eco-Friendly Focus: Specializes in eco-friendly books and sustainable gifts.
- Independent Bookstore: An independently owned bookstore in Columbus.
- Sustainable Products: Offers a variety of sustainable products for environmentally conscious customers.
6. Essential Books & Gifts
A bookstore specializing in spirituality, mind-body-spirit literature, and holistic living.
- Spiritual Focus: Specializes in spirituality, mind-body-spirit literature.
- Holistic Living Resources: Provides resources on holistic living and self-improvement.
- Community Events: Hosts community events like workshops and book signings.
7. Columbus College of Art & Design Library
A library dedicated to art and design resources, serving students, faculty, and the public.
- Art & Design Focus: Dedicated to art and design resources for various disciplines.
- Student Access: Serves students, faculty, and the public with resources in art and design.
- Public Access: Open to the public for research and exploration.
8. The Hills Market & Bookstore
A grocery store with a bookstore section offering books on health, wellness, and local interest.
- Health & Wellness Focus: Specializes in books on health, wellness, and related topics.
- Grocery Store Integration: Located within a grocery store for easy access to related resources.
- Local Interest: Features books about Columbus and Ohio history and culture.
9. The Ohio State University Libraries
A network of libraries serving the academic community at The Ohio State University.
- Academic Focus: Serves the academic community at The Ohio State University.
- Specialized Resources: Provides specialized resources in various disciplines.
- Digital Resources: Offers digital resources for remote access and research.
10. The Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Library at Otterbein University
A university library offering resources in a variety of academic disciplines.
- University Affiliation: Affiliated with Otterbein University.
- Academic Resources: Provides resources in various academic disciplines.
- Student Support: Supports students' academic pursuits through library resources.
11. The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
A museum and library dedicated to cartoons, comics, and graphic novels.
- Cartoon Focus: Dedicated to cartoons, comics, and graphic novels.
- Museum Experience: Offers exhibitions and events related to cartoon art.
- Research Resources: Provides research resources for scholars and enthusiasts.
12. The Ohio History Connection Library & Research Center
A library dedicated to Ohio history, culture, and genealogy research.
- Ohio Focus: Dedicated to Ohio history, culture, and genealogy.
- Research Resources: Provides research resources for historians and enthusiasts.
- Genealogy Research: Offers genealogy resources to trace family histories.
13. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum Library
A library dedicated to military history, veteran experiences, and their families.
- Military Focus: Dedicated to military history, veterans' experiences.
- Veteran Resources: Provides resources for veterans and their families.
- Community Engagement: Offers events, programs, and resources to engage the community.
14. The Wexner Center for the Arts Library & Archive
A library and archive focusing on visual arts, film, performance, and media arts.
- Artistic Focus: Focuses on visual arts, film, performance, and media arts.
- Art Research Resources: Provides research resources for scholars and artists.
- Exhibitions & Events: Hosts exhibitions, performances, and events related to the arts.
15. The Ohio State University Medical Center Health Sciences Library
A library serving the academic community of The Ohio State University's medical center.
- Medical Focus: Serves the academic community at The Ohio State University Medical Center.
- Specialized Resources: Provides specialized resources in various medical disciplines.
- Health Sciences Research: Supports research in health sciences through library resources.