The Booksellers On Fountain Square - Cincinnati, OH

The Booksellers On Fountain Square, Cincinnati, OH

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The thing I noticed about this bookstore is that it has a ground zero location in the downtown bustle of Cincinnati.  It is surrounded by many hotels, shopping opportunities, and an area across the street for skating and outdoor markets.  The location is advantageous not only for downtown regulars but also the many out-of-towners here for conventions or travel.  The cafe in the bookstore attracts a huge lunch crowd which is great for the business.  But as with almost all my bookstore visits, the quality of the store is superseded only by the niceness of the people who work there.  This is the best recipe for any independent bookstore.  

The Booksellers On Fountain Square have been here for three years and is a one-level, spacious bookstore and cafe.  The space used to be a Brooks Bros Men's store so the interior's decor is beautiful.  Vaulted ceilings, large light fixtures, modern hard-wood floors, and attractive dark brown woodwork.  Thankfully on the day of my visit all the light bulbs had been replaced (Emily W., the store manger will get this!).  The store carries all new books, lots of magazines, an extensive selection of greeting cards including the Papyrus line of cards, lots of locally relevant sidelines, and on my visit a variety of seasonal holiday items.  Emily told me they have a good balance of sidelines and books and I would have to agree.  Basically, you could make this place your one-stop Christmas shop.  To all of this you can add an excellent cafe (thumbs up on the Italian wedding soup and two vanilla lattes, thanks Emily) with lots of seating and a varied menu.  

When I first saw this store, the logo looked very familiar to me as another indie I've visited, The Booksellers At Laurelwood in Memphis.  It's no coincidence since both stores are owned by Neil U.  In fact, there is a 3rd Booksellers store in Dayton.  I'm 0 for 2 in meeting Neil but on this visit I had the good fortune to meet Emily, who is the store manager on the book side, Martha, and Josh.  Such great people to talk to and to meet.  I learned way more about this store than I can possibly relate to you here so trust me when I say this indie is a must see. 

Sooner or later you will be in Cincy.  A convention, seeing the Reds or the Bengals, or maybe passing through.  It's always fun to enjoy the downtown energy in any city and you can do that on your visit and enjoy this great independent bookstore.  Don't miss this one.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  White Rage: The Unspoken Truth Of Our Racial Divide, Carol Anderson, Ph.D.  If you thought race relations have been improving over the years, think again.  This is a necessary work that follows the thread of racism from the Civil War to the present.  This is compelling and disturbing on many levels.  This book has been thoroughly researched and documented by the author and her claims are irrefuteable.  Sadly, the many who would benefit most from a book like this will never read it.  Highly recommended if you want to truly understand the issues of our racial divide.      

CURRENTLY READING:  I'll Sell You A Dog, Juan Pablo Villalobos.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  How Starbucks Saved My Life, Michael Gates Gill.     

Another exterior view of the outside entrance.  There is also an inside entrance from the adjoining building.  

One of the exterior window displays.  

Looking into the store from the front entrance.  Meticulous readers may recognize the celebrity sprinting into the store.  Yes, that's my mom.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  You can see the cafe in that direction.  

A sideline for the dogs!

A nice display of recent releases.  

Hey, another book about bookstores!  

Lots of great book bags.  

A portion of the books of local interest, near the front entrance.  

Many indies have some of the best socks anywhere.  

Closer view looking across the cafe.  Lots of seating and a great variety of options on the menu.  

Staff picks are throughout the store.  Make sure you especially look at anything with a post-it note.  

It's not too late to do some holiday shopping.  

A very creative and unique seasonal display.  

More gift ideas.  

A very full table display with lots of recommended books.  

A few of the staff picks.  

You can find new books all over the store.  

Slow day at work?  Here's your answer.  

A Baggallini display of items.  

Lots of magazines to pick from.  

A few of the greeting cards available, including the Papyrus line of cards.  

Find this table for some good buys.  

If art is your thing, you're covered here at Booksellers.  

A special display just for chick lit.  

View looking toward the front entrance from the back of the store.  

One of my favorite books.  

L-R: Martha, IndieBob, Josh, and Emily.  Thanks for a great visit.