Saturday, July 8, 2023

Birdie Books - Westerville, OH

Birdie's Books, Westerville, OH

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When I visit a new or recently opened bookstore it is always my hope that the write-up will help raise awareness within the community that they have a bookstore.  Birdie Books has only been here for about a year and a half but prior to its brick and mortar it was a pop-up and online store.  You might be surprised to know that I've been to communities that have had a bookstore for 4-5+ years and they were still welcoming customers who never knew about it.  Happily for Westerville, you now have a terrific new bookstore that is filling a void for your area.  Congratulations Birdie!

Birdie Books has a great location in the very busy Westerville business district.  They offer all new books and a nice variety of sidelines.  Bookseller Krista told me there's a possibility that they might offer a section of used books but that is probably a ways off and merely speculation for now.  Their sidelines include stickers, wacky socks, greeting cards, and a variety of stationery items to name a few.  I especially liked the Birdie swag they offered.

There were several things that stood out for me here.  First, the store was VERY busy on the weekday afternoon of my visit, a great sign.  When you visit, take time to enjoy the creative work they've done with the interior.  Miniature books strung on lines from the ceiling and across the top of the store space.  The ornate ceiling with art panels.  Also notice the subtle creative decorative touches throughout the store.  In the back room they have a love notes wall where customers can leave notes of encouragement and positivity that might just be the perfect message for the one who finds it.

Lastly, booksellers Krista and Ashley were wonderful to meet and talk to about the store.  I was especially appreciative since it was such a busy day for them.

So yes, it was busy today but there are MANY who don't know about Birdie yet.  Do your job regulars, bring your friends and relatives to enjoy this fantastic new Westerville bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Man In My Basement, Walter Mosley.  I like this author but this book is just weird.  A strange White man proposes to Charles Blakey, a Black man, that he wants to live in his basement and will pay him well to do so.  For Charles, the possibility of a healthy income is attractive  since he's always trying to survive.  But Charles ends up serving as a warden for a stranger who lives in a cage in his basement.  This has a "Twilight Zone" vibe. 

CURRENTLY READING:   Medicine Walk, Richard Wagamese. 

I love this storefront. 


The store lays to the right after you enter.  This is what you'll see. 

Bookish candles make great gifts. 

Wonderful display for nature lovers. 

Display of popular releases. 

Attractive table display near the front of the store. 


I really like the Birdie Books merchandise. 

A nice selection of sidelines right at the checkout counter. 

I always like when I see books arranged with covers facing out. 

Do you have a cat person in your life?  Here you go!

Variety of book-related t-shirts available. 

I think this is a great way to leave comments about the bookstore. 

Notice the string with the miniature books dangling.  I think this is really cool but the picture doesn't really do it justice. 


Check out the blind dates with a book!

A beautiful wall of bookshelves along the front of the store. 

Looking into the children's area on the left side of the store.

Another angle of the children's area. 


Looking into the back room.  This room includes a writing place with a typewriter, various works of art in different genres, and books, among other things. 

That novel you've been waiting to write?  Take a seat and have at it!

The perfect place to sit and proof-read your work. 

What's better than one chair?  Two of course!

Various works of art.  Just a sampling of what you'll see here. 


This sign-language display was created by the deaf artist Alientiful. 


A wall of compassion where you can leave notes of positivity and encouragement.  I think this is a fantastic idea. 

One of the panels artistically rendered in the store ceiling.  I'm really not sure what to call these but they are kind of like a unique version of skylights.


Yes, they have a Birdie Books tote and you'll need to get it for all the books you'll buy. 

Overview of the store looking toward the front entrance. 

A few of the greeting cards available. 


With Krista, holding a recommended read, one of the fine booksellers you'll meet at Birdie's Books.  Thanks for a great visit. 

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