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| Appletree Books, Cleveland Heights, OH |
When I entered Appletree Books in Cleveland Heights, OH, I found good news all over the place. This is a long-running bookstore since 1975. A wonderful location in a historic stretch of Cedar Ave surrounded by other businesses. An exciting new expansion to the store's space, only opened in the last several months. All of these factors plus the two wonderful people I met on the day of my visit, Lynn Q., the owner, and Lorie N., one of the staffers, adds up to one very obvious outcome. A wonderful independent bookstore that you will thoroughly enjoy.
Appletree Books is a split level floor plan and also has a small balcony area. They offer a very nice assortment of all new books and a good variety of sidelines including greeting cards, stationery, wrapping paper, and several locally made items. When the store expanded to the space next door, one of its goals was to offer an improved children's section. In my opinion, they did exactly that and this is now one of the store's strengths. The children's area is very roomy and bright and kids will love coming here. Lynn has done a great job with the book displays throughout the store by showing many of them on antique bureaus, cabinets, and other antique pieces. Antique lovers will enjoy seeing these pieces around the store, especially some of the children's toys.
Lynn is only the 3rd business owner since 1975. She bought the business in 2014 but worked here 8 years prior to that. Like other successful indies, their ties to the community and shop local movement are deep. You'll find many locally made items like those made by the folks at Hopewell Community, a therapeutic farm for individuals with mental illness. You'll also find works of art displayed for sale by local artists and featured on a rotating basis. Events are frequent both in the store and off-site. And don't think this indie is only for the local customers. Appletree attracts many visitors who are here in association with the large medical center and many of the nearby BNBs. Cedar Ave is very busy so if you drive here, look for the metered parking lot behind the store.
So, what are you waiting for? If I can find this place, anybody can. Set that GPS for 12419 Cedar Ave in Cleveland Heights and when you arrive, you'll enjoy a great time at another one of our country's remarkable independent bookstores. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
JUST FINISHED: Burial Rites, Hannah Kent. Historical fiction based on the true story of the last person executed in Iceland, Agnes Magnúsdottir, in the early 1800s. Narrative describes a bleak existence in this country and the family who is required to house the condemned killer because there are no jails. Outstanding book. Recommended.
CURRENTLY READING: This Boy's Life, Tobias Wolff.
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| Another exterior view. |
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| View looking into the store from the front entrance. Looking toward the back, you can see the balcony area. |
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| A wonderful table display right inside the front door. |
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| View looking to the left from the front entrance. |
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| The staff picks displayed on one of the antique pieces you'll find throughout the store. |
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| A timely display for graduation season. |
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| A few of the greeting cards available. |
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| A nice long wall of books in the main room. |
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| The stairway to the balcony featuring the spines of books. |
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| Head upstairs... |
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| ...but on your way, don't miss the displays along the wall. |
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| A partial view of the balcony with a nice seating area. |
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| More than just books in the balcony. |
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| Just a few of the items of local interest. |
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| View looking from the balcony over the main floor and toward the front entrance. |
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| A variety of sidelines are located near the back of the main room. |
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| This is my kind of bargain! |
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| I think just about any independent bookstore will do this! |
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| View looking into the adjacent room and a portion of the children's area. |
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| This antique toy truck makes a great book display. |
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| Portions of the walls are papered with literary themed material from books and other sources. Very cool and much better to see in person! |
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| View looking the length of the adjacent room. |
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| I encourage you to check out the featured art work in the store by local artists, displayed on a rotating basis. |
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| Books displayed on another wonderful antique piece. |
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| Regular readers of The Indie Bob Spot will understand why I took this picture! |
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| Locally made candles from the Hopewell Community. |
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| Some of the toy antiques in the store are for sale. |
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| With Lorie on the left and Lynn in the center. Thanks for a great visit. |
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