Blue Marble Books - Ft. Thomas, KY

Blue Marble Books, Ft. Thomas, KY

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When I plan out my bookstore visits I write out a general itinerary of the indies I want to visit and then try to follow a logical route.  With every tour I almost always deviate from the original plan because booksellers constantly give me suggestions of other bookstores I should visit and most of them are rather insistent.  That's how I found Blue Marble Books.  This place wasn't on my radar until Emily at The Booksellers At Fountain Square in Cincinnati told me that it was a great children's store and only 10 minutes away.  I'm afraid she undersold Blue Marble!  This is a nationally recognized award-winning children's bookstore.  It was recently named to a top ten list of children's bookstores by Penguin.  After meeting Peter M., co-owner, and Betsy G., one of the booksellers and a former elementary school librarian, success at this store is no surprise.

Peter's wife Tina is the founder of Blue Marble Books and its journey began in 1979.  Back then, it started out as a toy store, thus The Blue Marble name.  Over the years, it gradually transitioned to books and still kept some of the toys.  The great thing here though, as Peter told me, there is nothing sold here that requires batteries and there are no electronics.  And make no mistake, this multiple-room store is absluelty crammed with books for children of all ages.

This store is a big draw for kids, teachers, and tourists.  Like any indie, the store has regulars but they are kids.  There are teens who know when their next favorite author's book is released and are here on that morning ready to get it.  Blue Marble is also heavily involved with book sales to many nearby school districts, a great thing for the store's business.  The secret here?  As Peter told me, great customer service and an incredibly knowledgeable staff.  Any children's store that has a former grade school librarian on staff qualifies as more than knowledgeable.  

My favorite thing here is a specially themed room modeled after the book, Goodnight Moon.  If you have a child who is a fan of this book, bring them to this store.  But no matter what your child is into, you'll find it here.  Princesses, ballerinas, dinosaurs, monsters, super-heroes, and more.  You name it, Blue Marble has it.

Peter and Betsy were terrific to meet and talk to.  You and your kids will absolutely love meeting them and seeing this store.  But don't plan on making this a short visit.  There's no way your kids will want to leave this store in a hurry.  Once you visit here, plan on becoming a regular.  Your kids will insist!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

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

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Nanette's Baguette, Mo Willems.  

One of the front window displays.  

The iconic logo on the side of the building.  

Another exterior view.  Notice the miniature trolley car in the foreground, an acknowledgment of the building's history as a trolley station.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

This really fun train set will be one of the reasons your kids won't want to leave the store.  

...This is where you'll sit while they're playing with the train set!

Always check the calendar for store events.  

I'm including this because it might apply to some of you.  

This room and the one pictured are both behind the front room where you enter.

Continuing on into another room and a great display.  

This is a portion of the teen room, another room in the store.  

Your kids will find lots of other fun stuff here besides books.  

You'll have to visit the store to see if this dog is real or fake.  

This is a portion of the Goodnight Moon room, located upstairs.  

Another view of Goodnight Moon.  

Goodnight Moon.  Don't miss seeing this!

If you still have holiday shopping, you should definitely check this display.  

With Tom on the left and Betsy in the center.  Thanks for a great visit.

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.  

Viewpoint Books - Columbus, IN

Viewpoint Books, Columbus, IN

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The big thing in Columbus, IN is the architecture.  For architecture geeks this town is a destination and is mentioned in the same breath as other recognized cities, like Chicago for example.  The other big thing here is Cummins Inc., an engine company that brings in people from all over the world.  To both of these I say, meh.  The only thing I care about in Columbus is Viewpoint Books, a long-running independent bookstore since 1973 and now in only its 2nd location for the last 8 years or so.  While many may know of the first two big things, everyone in Columbus knows about Viewpoint Books and now I'm telling the rest of the country that THIS is the destination reason to visit Columbus.

I have so much admiration for bookstores that have endured for the length of time that Viewpoint has.    That longevity is no coincidence thanks to the original owners, the new owners, John and Beth S., a great staff, and a devoted community that values the presence of a bookstore.  When this store changed locations 8-9 years ago, the challenge could've been difficult.  No sweat.  Countless volunteers stepped up and thanks to their help, the store's inventory was moved and in the new location in two hours.  I know how import local bookstores are because I've heard similar stories at other indies across the country.  Hats off to you, Columbus.

The store has a good-sized, one-level space on a corner of downtown on the main street.  There is a very spacious lower level for events that includes youth music groups and book clubs.  Viewpoint offers all new books and a good variety of sidelines.  The room in the far back was the space for used books but now is an area where you can find music on vinyl and turntables.  For Viewpoint, this was a good business decision.  The children's department was especially good with books and lots of toys and games.  And a great thing for me was easy and free parking right on the street.

I didn't get to meet the owners, John and Beth, on this visit, but wow do they have an 'A' team staff of booksellers.  Celia, Karen, Melinda, and Ben were outstanding to meet and visit with (either everyone in this store is nice or the grumpy ones weren't working when I visited).  When you visit Viewpoint, you will love meeting these people and talking about books.

You may visit Columbus for their renowned attractions.  If you do, squeeze in a trip to see Viewpoint Books.  Great book inventory, great gifts, great kids stuff, and the best people anywhere.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Stranger, Harlan Coben.  If you want an edge-of-your-seat gripping page-turner, this is it.  I love this author and I thought this book was outstanding.  Lots of plot twists and lots of secrets revealed to compromise people.  All were revealed by the stranger.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  White Rage: The Unspoken Truth Of Our Racial Divide, Carol Anderson.    

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Juniper: The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon, Kelley and Thomas French.    

Another exterior view.  This store has a great corner location.  

In case you need any reasons to visit, here you go.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

Looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  Notice the beautiful Viewpoint Books stained glass sign on the wall.  

A great place in the front of the store to try out a book and watch the people outside.  

A wonderful seasonal table display that kids will love.  

Creative display of cooking-related books and items.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

Need some tree ornaments?  You'll find them here.   

Viewpoint has a great assortment of sidelines.  

A portion of the books of local interest.  

Have you heard of a game called, Dr. Eureka?  Come in the store and give it a try.  

Lots of games and other great stuff for kids.  

See caption above.  

A portion of the room dedicated to the children's section.  

This room in the back of the store is where you'll find music on vinyl and turntables.  

Some of the music on vinyl available.  

Something you can do at almost any independent bookstore.  

Is that black and white dog on the floor fake or real?  Visit the store to find out.  

When you visit Viewpoint, ask them to show you a demonstration of some of their games.  

This is a great events space downstairs.  

Another view of the events space.  

From L-R:  Melinda, Celia, & Karen, the fine booksellers at Viewpoint Books.  Thanks for a great visit.