The Indie Bob Spot: Readers' Garden Bookstore

Readers' Garden Bookstore, Granville, OH

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I don't know how anyone could describe this bookstore as anything less than cozy, genuine, and so, so cute as a button. The town and the store give off a feel of being much further east than Granville, OH. This store also takes its name, Readers' Garden, very seriously. Nature is the main theme found throughout the store with books, sidelines, and even a back patio "readers' garden", a wonderful place to sit with a book during nice weather. There are beautifully carved birds of many types positioned throughout the store and available for purchase. The artistry on the walls display colorful nature scenes and among all this natural beauty you'll find a fish tank near the checkout counter. Bird watchers and nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy this store. And, of course, readers of all ages and genres!

Readers' Garden is located in the near downtown and has been rockin' it for 20+ years although they've been in this space for less than a year. Their longevity is impressive given the town's population of approximately 5000+. But, as assistant manager Audrey A. told me, they have a huge base of regular customers and many of those are from the local college, Denison University. This includes visits from professors, parents, and grandparents in addition to the students.

The store is packed with a healthy inventory of new and used books and a plethora of sidelines, especially those created locally. In addition to the usual greeting cards, puzzles, and bookstore socks, you'll find many nature-related items. The hand-carved and painted wooden birds and nature-themed book marks sell very well. There are also some outstanding author portraits painted by a local artist. Heck, you can even get a unique desk pet made with Lake Erie rocks by Audrey.

It there's someone in Granville that doesn't know about Readers' Garden it would make me shake my head. Good gawd, what gives? You've had 20+ years! Well now you know and there's no time like the present to check out this legendary and successful community bookstore. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Godspeed, Nickolas Butler. Every bookseller in Wisconsin will probably confirm my opinion that this author is fantastic. Every book I've read by him is a winner and this one is no exception. A rich female attorney decides to build a million dollar mansion in the mountains near Jackson, WY. She hires a 3-man crew and demands an impossible deadline for completion but they will be rewarded with an incredible bonus if they can complete it on time. The challenges are many, and the further they proceed the more they think the project is cursed. Put this author on your shopping list. Outstanding and highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: The Maid, Nita Prose.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: O Pioneers!, Willa Cather.

I met this cute little goat just before I turned the corner and walked into the bookstore. His name? Nature! I took this as a very good sign.

A very picturesque storefront.

Upon closer inspection, this sign is actually an oversized book. Very creative.

Read the fine print.

Classic storefront window.

Looking to the right side in the front of the store.

Looking straight through to the back of a very long store.

Just to the left of the entrance a few of the greeting cards offered.

Immediately to the left after entering is a wall length mirror where shoppers can check their hair. Indie Bob is captured taking a picture.

Display of staff picks.

Throughout the store and in the pictures below you'll see some of the fabulous mural artwork.

Front room table display.

The fish aquarium is right across from the checkout counter.

Well said.

Not only is Audrey a great bookseller she's also a talented artist. These are her creations made from Lake Erie rocks. Available at the checkout counter.