Cincinnati is very lucky to have such a wonderful public library system so that we can all have access to literature and a number of other features. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is an incredible resource in our city and it’s important that we support them whenever possible. One easy way to do that, especially if you’re an avid reader, is to shop at their used book warehouse. This enormous used bookshop is run by The Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and it’s easily one of the best bookstores in Ohio — used or not!

Lovingly referred to as The Warehouse, this enormous used bookstore is centrally located in Hartwell. The store is known for its crowd-drawing sales throughout the year, but it is actually open year round and is definitely worth a visit.

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

The used book warehouse is mainly run by volunteers who are passionate about books, reading, the public library, and the community. Aisles of shelves are stocked with donated books and some that are not used within the libraries. The selection is massive and includes any and everything you can imagine.

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

If you love books and spending time in bookstores, then you’ll love this slice of literary heaven. The books may be used, but they are in great condition and are anxiously waiting for a spot on your nightstand.

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

The warehouse hosts a few big sales throughout the year, and those are the most popular times to visit, especially for incredible deals. But it’s not widely known that the store is actually open throughout the entire year. Its hours are limited, but convenient, and can be found on the website, linked below.

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

In addition to the many genres of books, the store also has an audio-visual section with DVDs, vinyl, audiobooks, and more. And as far types of books, you’ll find every genre of fiction and non-fiction, both older titles, brand new, and bestsellers.

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

The children’s section is also impressive and a great way to build a library for young readers. You can stock up on early readers, picture books, chapter books, and more for a fraction of the cost of a typical bookstore, and all while supporting the public library.

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

While the lines are not typically out the door on a normal business day at the warehouse, they probably should be. This enormous used bookstore is a hidden gem in the Queen City that has something for everyone!

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

The volunteers of Friends of the Public Library are very appreciative of the community’s support, and you can help by visiting and picking up a few new favorite titles. The libraries do so much to provide for our communities and schools and it’s the least we can do to spend time browsing and shopping at this wonderful bookstore in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

It’s easy to lose track of time when inside this enormous used book warehouse, but it’s always time well spent. Did you know about this incredible book store that supports our libraries? Tag someone in the comments who would love to shop there with you!

Facebook/Friends of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

The Friends’ Used Bookstore at the Warehouse is located at 8456 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH, 45216. For more information, visit its website and follow along with them on Facebook.

And for another shop that’s a book lover’s dream, check out our previous article about the one-and-only Ohio Book Store.

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Address: The Friends’ Used Book Store at the Warehouse, 8456 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45216, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Bookstores in Ohio February 16, 2023 Sarah M. What are some other amazing bookstores in Ohio? Bibliophiles have much to celebrate in the Buckeye State, with new, used, and independent bookstores in pretty much every small town and big city! In terms of the best of the best, some of our favorite bookstores in Ohio include:

Ohio Book Store. Ohio Book Store is an incredible five-story literary destination located downtown on Main Street. It’s been serving the community since 1940 and remains a cherished local bookstore to this day. It’s filled with treasures and is also flourishing in the book restoration business! The Book Loft. Tucked away in central Ohio’s charming German Village, you’ll find the most enchanting bookstore that’s a seemingly never-ending maze of classic literature, modern day stories, and a plethora of knowledge that book lovers only dream of. The largest independent bookstore in Ohio, the Book Loft features 32 rooms of books — packed from floor to ceiling — that you simply must see to believe. Visible Voice Books. If you’re someone who appreciates independent bookstores, you’ll find that this destination will instantly win over your heart. As per the website, this spot can best be described as a “bookstore with that lost independent feel — a relaxed, inviting environment conducive to discovery, where quality takes precedence over quantity, where the books marginalized by commercial concerns have a home.” How lovely is that?

Wheatberry Books. Wheatberry Books in Chillicothe is a small town book store with an impressive selection of reading material, puzzles and more for both kids and adults alike. Stop by for story time with the kids or a meet and greet with a local author; leave with a newfound love for small town book stores.

Looking for more amazing bookstores in and around Cincinnati, Ohio? Here are some more local favorites where you can happily get lost for hours.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Bookstores in Ohio

February 16, 2023

Sarah M.

What are some other amazing bookstores in Ohio? Bibliophiles have much to celebrate in the Buckeye State, with new, used, and independent bookstores in pretty much every small town and big city! In terms of the best of the best, some of our favorite bookstores in Ohio include:

Ohio Book Store. Ohio Book Store is an incredible five-story literary destination located downtown on Main Street. It’s been serving the community since 1940 and remains a cherished local bookstore to this day. It’s filled with treasures and is also flourishing in the book restoration business! The Book Loft. Tucked away in central Ohio’s charming German Village, you’ll find the most enchanting bookstore that’s a seemingly never-ending maze of classic literature, modern day stories, and a plethora of knowledge that book lovers only dream of. The largest independent bookstore in Ohio, the Book Loft features 32 rooms of books — packed from floor to ceiling — that you simply must see to believe. Visible Voice Books. If you’re someone who appreciates independent bookstores, you’ll find that this destination will instantly win over your heart. As per the website, this spot can best be described as a “bookstore with that lost independent feel — a relaxed, inviting environment conducive to discovery, where quality takes precedence over quantity, where the books marginalized by commercial concerns have a home.” How lovely is that?

Wheatberry Books. Wheatberry Books in Chillicothe is a small town book store with an impressive selection of reading material, puzzles and more for both kids and adults alike. Stop by for story time with the kids or a meet and greet with a local author; leave with a newfound love for small town book stores.

Looking for more amazing bookstores in and around Cincinnati, Ohio? Here are some more local favorites where you can happily get lost for hours.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Bibliophiles have much to celebrate in the Buckeye State, with new, used, and independent bookstores in pretty much every small town and big city! In terms of the best of the best, some of our favorite bookstores in Ohio include:

  • Ohio Book Store. Ohio Book Store is an incredible five-story literary destination located downtown on Main Street. It’s been serving the community since 1940 and remains a cherished local bookstore to this day. It’s filled with treasures and is also flourishing in the book restoration business!
  • The Book Loft. Tucked away in central Ohio’s charming German Village, you’ll find the most enchanting bookstore that’s a seemingly never-ending maze of classic literature, modern day stories, and a plethora of knowledge that book lovers only dream of. The largest independent bookstore in Ohio, the Book Loft features 32 rooms of books — packed from floor to ceiling — that you simply must see to believe.
  • Visible Voice Books. If you’re someone who appreciates independent bookstores, you’ll find that this destination will instantly win over your heart. As per the website, this spot can best be described as a “bookstore with that lost independent feel — a relaxed, inviting environment conducive to discovery, where quality takes precedence over quantity, where the books marginalized by commercial concerns have a home.” How lovely is that?
  • Wheatberry Books. Wheatberry Books in Chillicothe is a small town book store with an impressive selection of reading material, puzzles and more for both kids and adults alike. Stop by for story time with the kids or a meet and greet with a local author; leave with a newfound love for small town book stores.

Looking for more amazing bookstores in and around Cincinnati, Ohio? Here are some more local favorites where you can happily get lost for hours.