Joy & Matt's Books - Cincinnati, OH

 

Joy & Matt's Books, Cincinnati, OH

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What do you get when you take a research scientist and an engineer, mix them together with a cute puppy and put the whole group together in downtown Cincinnati?  You get a tiny but mighty attractive bookstore that offers a very well-curated inventory of new and used books.  Joy was the research scientist and Matt was the engineer who went into a writing program after that.  And Nebula is the cute little puppy that I hope you get to meet on your visit.

Joy & Matt's bookstore adventure began a little over a year ago.  As Joy told me, it has been a challenge but I think they are starting to see some progress.  The downtown location is perfect for foot traffic.  Like other indies, they already have good regular customers.  Weekends bring many people from out-of-town who walk the downtown area.  If you're driving here, be patient when looking for parking and consider a nearby public pay lot.  Since this store is just a baby they're still figuring things out.  I'm very optimistic they have big things ahead and am sure of their success.  Joy told me that they would like a little more space and would also like to incorporate a coffee/cafe service or possibly partner with a coffeeshop.  There are very few sidelines here; some puzzles, mugs, and literary stickers.  As Joy stated, they're pretty much 99% books.

Much of the interior design and decor have been provided by Matt.  He's the creative part of the team and you'll see his work throughout the store.  The shelves, displays, and artwork are all examples of his talent.

I didn't get to meet Matt on this day but Joy and Nebula enthusiastically welcomed me and told me much about their store and their story.  I'm so appreciative when I get to meet people like Joy and learn about their journey.  And of course Nebula was just as fun to meet and is the very energetic puppy part of the team.

There are many downtown apartments in Cincinnati and if you live there, you have a wonderful bookstore right under your nose.  Check out Joy & Matt's Books for a very "joyful" experience.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Warsaw Orphan, Kelly Rimmer.  Historical fiction which I'm sure contains threads of truth.  In Warsaw during WWII, there are two communities.  The Jewish ghetto inside the wall and one outside the wall.  Two families on either side have entirely different experiences where one family struggles to survive and the other is unsure of their future and hear rumors about inside the wall.  A member of each family is doing everything they can to help their families and eventually their paths cross in a very fateful way.  Always a hard topic to read about but the author makes it very readable and in the end, all is not lost.  Outstanding.  Recommended.   

CURRENTLY READING:  Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, Mary Roach. 

 

An inviting storefront. 

The store is the ground floor of a multi-leveled building. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  I love the wood floors and the yellow walls. 

Looking to the left from the front door. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

Display of recent releases. 

Attractive display for young readers. 

Well said in any language. 

Look for this display and find some bargains. 

Some of Matt's art work on display and available for purchase. 

Lots of creative decor throughout the store.  All of it highlighted by the bright yellow interior.  Nicely done. 

Another view of the bargain cart. 

Slide over to the left side of the store and begin your browsing. 

Partial view of the children's books displayed. 

This is Nebula taking a break. 

This is Nebula ready to take your order. 

Just a few of the books available by local authors. 

Take a look below the checkout counter for that last minute purchase. 

Go to the back of the store and discover a smaller room with more books. 

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

Literary mugs make a great gift or consider one for yourself. 

Author note cards with stickers and quotes. 

With Joy holding a camera shy Nebula, one of the fine owners you'll meet at Joy & Matt's Books.  Thanks for a great visit.