by Josh Jones Forbes
Josh (he/him) is vice president of marketing at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, and he believes strong neighborhood pride gives residents the power to build their futures. Josh is founder of a fitness studio in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, and he is a proud graduate of Kent State University.
Bookworms, these recommendations are for you. Our local team has collected their favorite independent bookstores and hidden reading spots. Put your body in a new setting to let your mind really soar!
The Reading Room CLE
📍 WEST PARK
Here’s a inclusive space to relax with a fabulous mission behind it! This nonprofit bookstore uses your purchases to fight inequality and injustice. Conversations spark about the need for easier social connections across divides. And you’ll leave with multiple book recommendations.
Literary Cleveland
📍 GREATER BUCKEYE
As a reader, you should experience Cleveland’s writing community, too. With classes, workshops, and book clubs, there are always reasons to write with Literary Cleveland. Plus, come enjoy their live readings by authors and poets at Loganberry Books just across the street.
MLK Jr. Branch – Cleveland Public Library
📍 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
This new branch building of the Cleveland Public Library is stunning and spacious. Bring your kids, they’ll love exploring the play sets before or after they choose their books. Meanwhile, you can lounge, get hands-on at the Tech Center, or browse titles from Cleveland’s Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards — the only American book prize focused on racism and diversity.
Parallel Universe Books
📍 OHIO CITY
Enter a new world! Inside the “creative hangars” of the Hingetown district, Parallel Universe is a snug bookshop focused on sci-fi, fantasy, romantasy, horror, and RPG books. There are options for all ages, curated by Craig and Allyson.
The Tavern Coffee House
📍 GREATER BUCKEYE
A corner coffeeshop with a neighborhood tavern feel – what’s not to love. They’ll keep the espresso and treats coming, so you can get lost in your pages. There are perfect gathering spaces for your next book club, as well.
ThirdSpace Reading Room
📍 GLENVILLE
ThirdSpace is a “radical imagination bookstore” and rooted in the Glenville neighborhood – within a building by Robert P. Madison, the first Black architect in Ohio, no less. This stunning space is chockfull of thought-provoking reads, and ThirdSpace hosts frequent discussion groups and festivities, too.
Visible Voice
📍 OHIO CITY
They were already a beloved bookshop, but Visible Voice’s new home is a destination! After the renovation of a forgotten theater on Lorain Avenue, this spot greets you with its delicious café. Then the space expands into wooden bookshelves with skylit seating above them. The finale is the performance hall for readings and concerts.
Euclid Beach
📍 COLLINWOOD
Where can you find a Lake Erie beach right next to a Cleveland Public Library branch? Here! Pick up or peruse books at the Memorial-Nottingham library and go find your dream reading spot at this MetroParks reservation. In fact, each read can have a different view from the sand, pier, or trails.
Metropolitan Coffee
📍 OLD BROOKLYN
Top-notch coffee is expected in every city, but here it thrives away from the Downtown bustle. There’s living room-style seating where you can sink in and really focus. On a warm day, step out to the patio on Broadview Road!
The Browsing Room
📍 DOWNTOWN
Retreat from the busy street into this indie bookstore and café owned by two sisters. Located within the Galleria at Erieview, there is a whole city block under glass for you to sit, walk, and let your thoughts wander. Linger even longer with a sandwich and fresh beverage.
Eagle Kafé
📍 EDGEWATER
Take an international getaway for a long afternoon, thanks to this faithful recreation of European café culture! Owner Eugene proudly represents his home country of Albania and specializes in strong Turkish coffees.
Guest Room
📍 TREMONT
This vintage shops doubles as a homey reading place, because community gathering is the goal. Check their posts for live music and illustration events. The open mic nights put new voices onto an intimate stage for an effusive crowd.