The Book Loft of German Village

Related:	computer loft
Category:	Book Store
Address:	631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
Phone:	+1 614-464-1774
Site:	bookloft.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	10AM–11PM 10AM–11PM 10AM–11PM 10AM–11PM 10AM–11PM 10AM–11PM 10AM–11PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Robert Fisher

This is an old house (or two) that has been converted into a book store. For the full experience, youll walk through 32 tightly packed rooms. Stairwells take you this way and that and before you know if youre lost. This isnt necessarily a place for people who enjoy just reading books, but for those who enjoy browsing for books. You wont find places to sit and read (and thats probably frowned on anyway...this isnt B&N after all). Instead youll pass through every book genre imaginable as you navigate the maze of the bookstore. Most of the books are either brand new or at least appear that way. You wont find many antiques here. I recommend going at an off time (during the week etc) or when the weather is not conducive to strolling through German Village. If the Book Loft is busy, it will become frustrating to navigate. Dont bring strollers... They do have a restroom, but the staff will direct you to a certain room (good luck finding it) to get a key from one of the staff. If you are really in need, it could take you quite awhile to (literally) find relief. This is very inconvenient when youre in the middle of a maze. The staff was very friendly and could point you in the direction of whatever you were seeking. Is it good for kids? Probably not for the younger ones, but if theyre old enough to browse the aisles at B&N they will probably do fine here.

Marla K. Brumbaugh

Amazing. Quite uncommon. Rooms on end - to no end - books galore. The book HAS to be here, or it possibly might not be on the face of this earth. Theres but ONE THING you must PLAN, HARDcore - to AVOID at all costs. DO NOT BRING that buzzkill of a friend who will declare boredom early in the journey. Hear me now, for the rush created by this child, girlfriend, or significant other will crush your voyage for certain. I was just taking my second big inhale - mmmmm - wafting aromas of old books, magazines, aged wood - when my hubby parked down on a bench in the room, empty handed. The Signal? "We can leave anytime youre ready." His Intended Kindness: "Im ready to leave when you are. Take your time." (He has no idea what hes saying here, and I know it). But in my keen recollect, I am hearing him say: "Im done. I dont need anything - lets get going shortly." I WILL HAVE TO RETURN BY MYSELF (and when you dont live in or around Columbus, this could be an unlikely prospect). So plan ahead. Buzzkills can go DO something else or BE with somebody else. Its that important. Plan ahead! I do love The Book Loft. And being in German Village? Well, you cant do much better than that!

A Private User

I open with a cold blast of invective. This is absolutely the worst bookstore I have ever been to. And I dont mean, compared to my expectations, I mean literally THE WORST. If you give this bookstore 5 stars or even 4, you can only be a very cheesy person who goes in for self-help literature, travel guides, yoga manuals, posters of humpback whales, and this kind of thing...and who likes Disney music ringing in your ears while you shop. This is NOT an academically-oriented bookstore. If youre looking for actual literature, do NOT come here, unless you want a laugh. As for the size: there are about 29 rooms. 26 of them are devoted to gathering into one building basically every cheeseball book ever published in the western world, along with some childrens books. The childrens section seems pretty good. The literature rooms contain what you could find at any Barnes and Noble--nothing special AT ALL. This store is NOT the size of a city block (like that one in Portland), as I have read somewhere. It is just a big house. And how about the discount: it sucks. 5% off the publishers price.

A Private User

There was a review further up that characterized this bookstore as not so much a bookstore, but a Cheese Factory. I completely agree with this sentiment. Its a relatively large store, with 32 "rooms", but all of them are filled with frivolous products of the modern American publishing machine. If youre looking for the latest glib fluff from television personalities and talk show hosts, youll find it. But if youre looking for interesting books on math, the sciences, computer technology, history, or literature, youll be disappointed. The entire "computer" section consists of "Foo for Dummies" books. I looked in the games section, hoping to find some chess books, but 90% of it was occupied by insipid, over-illustrated booklets on Texas Holdem. This store is more like an independent version of Barnes & Noble, or Borders. They appear to stock pretty much the same stuff. If youre looking for actual books, as opposed to thick magazines being marketed as books, try the various smaller shops along High street in Clintonville.

Jenna Haaser

The book loft is an ADVENTURE. Containing in the realm of 32 tiny twisty you will find books crammed into every nook and cranny. Whats lovely about this store is that they offer really decent discounts that put them in competition with local big market competitors. The book loft is an indie book store, and it is well worth your support. They are the top destination in central Ohio for small and big name authors to stop by and do readings and signings. NOTE: Due to the historic nature of the buildings the Book Loft is are not readily accessible for people with mobility challenges. If small passages, steep stairs, or tight corners are a problem you may have difficulties navigating the building. The staff are generally kind, and may be able to help you locate a book, but browsing independently may pose problems.

d hanson

Physical book stores still have a place, and that place is The Book Loft in Columbus Ohios German village. So the prices may not compare to Amazon, but the serendipity of browsing in a physical space is worth the difference. This place is quirky, claustrophobic, and fun. They play music from boom-boxes set on the top shelf of most of the rooms (and there are a lot of little rooms). Lots of stairs and passage ways packed with collections of books. I found cool stuff that I would never have run across if I had to rely on the "similar items" lists online. Oh, and bonus, you can "peek inside" the entire book if you feel the urge! It must be hard going for this little independent book store, so visit before the owners throw in the towel and turn it into a chain restaurant.

Jeff Emhuff

One of the best, and unique, stores of any kind in Columbus. Located in German Village, the book store is housed in what used to be an old house or small shop. Composed of smaller rooms connected by hallways and stairs, the place is like a three story labyrinth, and its very easy (and fun) to get lost in. Fortunately, maps and directories are provided for free. Each room focuses on a particular genre or age group. Theres a huge variety of books for sale, and theyre usually at a good discount. The Book Loft also offers music, posters, calendars, clothing, etc., typically geared towards book lovers. Even if you dont plan on buying anything, this is a fun place to visit and explore for a couple hours.

Jay Mehta

If youre a book lover, this is the place to go. Its a maze of books. Quite cramped with thousands of books in a small space (small 32 rooms) but still well organized. You can find almost all genres of books - fiction, non-fiction, cook books, biographies, travel and a lot more. And all of these are sold at highly discounted price. Theres a cafe right outside this place if you want to relax for a while. However, parking is a problem here as you only get 2 hours parking in the lanes of German Village. Unless you shell out big bucks in the validated parking lots, you would need to juggle around your car. Definitely worth a visit if youre in the German Village area.