My 5 Favorite Northeast Ohio Bookstores

What does an aspiring fiction writer and full-time English teacher do for fun these days, you ask?

Why, visit bookstore after bookstore (after bookstore), of course!

If you find yourself in the Akron area, here are my five favorite bookstores within 30 minutes of downtown Akron that you really have to check out:

1. The Bookshelf in Medina, Brunswick, and Wadsworth

With three locations in communities surrounding the Akron area, The Bookshelf stores are a great option for buying used books (and who doesn’t love the smell of old books??).

What I love most about these stores, though, is their community outreach. The Bookshelf stores are a source of revenue for Project: LEARN of Medina County, an adult literacy program that offers tutoring services in reading and math, GED test prep, and English as a Second tutoring.

2. The Medina Bookstore and Marketplace

When you go to check out the Medina branch of The Bookshelf, you’ll be pleased to know that another bookstore is right around the corner! They combine their bookstore (new, not used) with arts and crafts for sale from local artisans.

As they are a McRyleigh Enterprise company, they also offer self-publishing services and local authors and writers consignment perks.

3. The Bookseller

If you love old books, this is the store you really, really, really have to check out. Specializing in rare, used, and out-of-print books, The Bookseller is a family-owned establishment that has been in Akron for over 60 years!

This store is a true gem, and owner Frank Klein—a WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam veteran—is a fount of local literary and historical knowledge. He and his daughter, Andrea Klein, run this fabulous establishment together.

4. Last Exit Books

Looking for a place to bask in the warmth of used books while downing a hot cup of coffee while listening to poetry readings? Then check out Last Exit Books in Kent! They sell new and used books, DVDs, CDs, and records, and with their expansion to include a coffee shop, they make for a delightful place to warm up with a good book or two. One Friday each month, they host poetry readings. Don’t miss it!

5. Buckeye Bookshop

Another downtown Akron staple! Buckeye Bookshop opened in 1988, moving to their current location on Brittain Road in 1991. A used bookstore with great pricing and a huge selection, they specialize in modern first editions.

I have a list of Cleveland-area bookstores I want to start frequenting. Keep a sharp eye out for a follow-up that will complete my list of my favorite NEOH bookstores!

Heather Terry is a writer and teacher in Northeast Ohio. You can read here work at Curious Words.

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Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter  Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.

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