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| Paragraphs Bookstore, Mt. Vernon, OH |
Readers, what do you think teachers do when they leave the profession? Well, not everyone is able to go on a journey visiting bookstores so the next best thing might just be managing a bookstore. This is the good fortune they enjoy in Mt. Vernon, OH at Paragraphs Bookstore with store manager Lois H. Paragraphs is blessed with outstanding ownership which enables Lois to have the best toy any retired English teacher could hope for, an independent bookstore.
Mt. Vernon, OH is a town of approximately 16,000 and this store is a brilliant gem for the business district in the heart of downtown. I'm always amazed to find such a successful and long-running bookstore (21 years) in a town this size when much larger towns have nothing (I guess I should stop being amazed. It's actually more amazing when smaller towns DON'T have a bookstore). This is a tribute to all those regular customers in the Mt. Vernon area and, increasingly, more and more out-of-towners. I think the store's success is an acknowledgement of Lois and her talents along with people like Maxwell, one of the store's fine booksellers. It's no wonder that the store has a great partnership with local schools with Lois's background in education. The store also actively pursues author events, and offers a children's story time, and a monthly bookclub just to name a few. Creative writing workshops are also available to middle and high schoolers. What a great way to bring kids into their local bookstore. Kudos Paragraphs!
In addition to a well-curated store of all new books, Paragraphs offers a healthy variety of sidelines which are a critical part of the business. Items like locally made soaps, scarves, greeting cards, and lots of options for kids. I thought the children's section was especially good. The one-level space is arranged in a way that allows room for browsing even though it is packed with inventory. There is great parking for free just about anywhere around the store's corner location.
Best of all was the time I enjoyed meeting and talking to Lois and Maxwell. I can guarantee that this experience can't be duplicated online but if you TRULY need an online experience I have good news for you. You can go online to Paragraph Books and order a book there. Readers, I keep telling you these bookstores can do just about anything. If you're anywhere near Mt. Vernon, OH (you know, within 500 miles or so!), this place is a must-see. You'll have a great time in one of our country's finest bookstores and with the terrific people who work there. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
CURRENTLY READING: Nobody's Fool, Richard Russo.
RECENTLY PURCHASED: If We Were Villains, M. L. Rio.
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| This is what the building looks like around the corner from its Main St. entrance. Very attractive. |
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| Another view of the side of the building and an additional entrance. |
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| Impressive recognition but no surprise to me. |
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| A very nice front window display and design highlighted by flowers and a table and two chairs where you can try a book and keep an eye on things. |
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| View looking into the store from the front entrance. |
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| View looking to the right from the front entrance. |
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| The store has a variety of wonderful sidelines, something for everyone. |
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| It's not too late to get the grad a nice gift and they have lots of options on this timely display. |
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| You'll find lots of books of local interest throughout the store and this table displays a few of those. |
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| I can just see all the Mt. Vernon dads rocking one of these Paragraph hats! |
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| Nice display of staff picks near the front of the store. |
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| Find all the new releases on this display. |
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| The store offers lots of greeting cards, these are just a few. |
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| Find this cart for some bargains. |
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| Locally made soaps and I love some of these scent names! |
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| A great sitting area right in the middle of the store. Conscientious readers may recognize the celebrity seated here. Yes, that's my mom. |
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| For the Diana Gabaldon Outlander fans, you're covered. |
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| A portion of the children's section. |
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| Another partial view of the children's section. |
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| A great place in the children's section for 4 kids to have a hot card game. Or, maybe look at a book or two. |
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| Consider a cup of coffee while you browse for books. |
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| View looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. |
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| One of the signs from a previous ownership. |
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| A great place to sit and sample a book. |
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| Some great scarves near the front of the store. |
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| Mt. Vernon is not too far from Columbus, home of the Buckeyes. If you know a Buckeye fan, you'll have lots of gift ideas. |
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| I hope every indie offers gift cards. |
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| With Lois on the left and Maxwell on the right, two of the fine people you'll meet at Paragraphs. Thanks for a great visit. |
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