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Categories: Bookstores, Newspapers & Magazines, Music & DVD's [Edit]
Neighborhood: NorwoodMon-Thu. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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It's always interesting to see the organization of various bookstores. Unlike a library, the books are allowed to fly free from the shackles of the Dewey Decimal System, only to be drawn back in and randomly stuffed into whatever space the store has available. Most chain stores have a method to the madness, the most popular books up front and things like World History stuffed into a dark, cobwebbed corner. Which is why my soul cries a little to be greeted by Miley Cyrus books and the magazine racks near the center.
That being said, there are a wide variety of non-Disney books throughout the store as well as a number of books of local interest. Over the years, I've been able to find most of the books I was looking for on site and they do a good job of picking and highlighting interesting books of certain genres. Again on this trip to the bookstore, I found both books that I was searching for. Success.
Since the last time I was here, they've expanded the restaurant part. It used to be a small coffee place, set up to counteract the coffee shops that sprung up alongside all the other chain bookstores. Now it's evolved into a full fledged restaurant ("bronte"), even complete with a greeter and an umlaut.
There's also a separate kids section set in an adjoining room from the main books. When I was here, they had a staff member reading to a gaggle of kids and their parents complete with sing-a-longs and apparently some sort of dance (to me it looked something like the Teletubby dance, but I really shouldn't be guessing at popular kids dances these days...). As they left, most of the kids exited happy with some sort of book clutched in their palms or tucked away with their parent. Although it's Nora Ephron-You've-Got-Mail level sappy, it's hard not to like a place that gets kids to read.
Have you ever entered a place completely foreign to you, yet you instantly feel as if you are right at home? Well if you haven't, visit Joseph Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati and you'll get to experience that unique feeling for the first time.
Joseph-Beth is a unique bookstore with magazines, cds, dvds, and of course books. It even houses its own cafe (Bronte's). Carefully selected decor really gives off the feeling that Joseph Beth is one giant house that happens to be covered wall-to-wall in bookshelves. Comfortable chairs are in good supply if you find a particular novel that sparks your interest, and the staff there is very knowledgable in the store's specialty.
Oh and in case you didn't know, Joseph Beth often hosts book signing's and special sets from local and national musicians. You can check their website to stay up-to-date on all their latest events.
I visited Joeseph-Beth Booksellers twice in the last six months. I found everyone very helpful and the store carries a great selection of books, bags, DVDs, cards, small gift items, etc. It feels like a smaller chain and I enjoy just wandering around. The coffee shop is nicely tucked in the back and there are places you can take a load off and enjoy curling up reading a favorite book or magazine. It's the type of bookstore you go to hang out on a lazy day. I will be back! Next time I will try to catch an author book signing or live music.
Now I know what all the big deal is about this independent book store! I went for the first time today and spent easily over an hour browsing both floors. And that didn't even include the kids' book section next door or the cafe, Bronte's.
I liked the atmosphere and the extensive selection. I noticed the events calendar, as well as prominent posters announcing upcoming author events. I also saw many patrons seated on the plentiful, comfortable chairs and benches placed around the store.
I'll be back and I'll definitely recommend the place!
Now, this is what a book store should be. I love that there is a prominent information desk, where a group of helpful employees will help you track down the book you're looking for. If you just came to browse, the store has plenty of signage to point you in the right direction.
I just dined at Bronte's for lunch and was delighted with my meal: quiche du jour (spinach and artichoke with three cheeses) served with salad and fruit. The quiche was rich with a buttery crust--I ate every bite. I loved the salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette, which I wish there was just a little bit more of the dressing.
Though the restaurant is often busy, at least you can check out really cool books as you wait.
As Alexandra mentioned, the only downside to Joseph Beth is the parking situation. Avoid the area during the brunch/lunch rush (First Watch is right next door and responsible for a great deal of the traffic) and you'll be fine, though!
I love Joseph Beth not only for it's extensive book collection and cafe, but also for the events that the bookstore is hosting all the time. Last summer I was able to see Red's pitcher Bronson Arroyo do an acoustic set in the middle of the store and I've also met a few notable authors at Joseph Beth...Barnes & Noble and Borders just don't offer the same.
The employees at Joseph Beth seem to actually want to be there, something that can't be said for other large bookstores. Every time I stop in I'm greeted by an employee who genuinely wants to help me find a book that I will enjoy. Even when I turn down the service, if an employee spots me looking at a book they'll grab another and say "If you think that one looks good, check out this one." They're usually right on target.
The Bronte Bistro is another part of Joseph Beth that has to be mentioned. This is no ordinary bookstore cafe or coffee shop, Bronte draws from recipes that can be found in various cookbooks the store carries to create their menu. I have had the "Barefoot Contessa" Tomato and Mozzarella panini on a few lunch occasions and it is delicious! This cafe is a great lunch spot and it's always less crowded than First Watch!
it's not bad but it always feels somewhat disorganized or something to me- i can't quite put my finger on it. i'm glad it's an independent bookstore and not a chain in this shopping center.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers is one of the nicest bookstores in Cincinnati. It is located in a busy shopping center so sometimes parking can get a little hairy, but once your in, you'll have fun!
The front of the store features a lot of displays of books and they are always interesting. I really like the local section that features books about Cincinnati, most by local authors and photographers. There is also a good deal of non book related items such as water bottles, bath and body products, and a giant purse collection. The magazine collection is extensive. There is also a CD section towards the back. They seem to have a lot of the classical genre but probably feature lots of other styles of music. The kids section of the store is almost like it's own store
The cafe called Bronte that is attached to the bookstore is wonderful! They have a great menu that features interesting entreees and dishes (some cooked up by your favorite food network stars) to suit every taste.
Go check it out!
Borders and Barnes & Noble should be looking over their shoulder's at Joseph-Best Booksellers. When I told a friend I needed a book for my flight home, she said to wait until the morning and we'd go to Joseph-Beth's for breakfast and a book!
Attached to the bookstore, is a full restaurant, Bronte's. The menu features many dishes from cooking authors like Rachael Ray, Emeril, etc. Now you may not like these cooking/TV stars, but it's a clever idea and the recipes have to come from somewhere. I ordered the french toast that came out with a yummy caramel sauce on it. It was almost too sweet, just almost, as I ate all four pieces along with with three pieces of crispy bacon. My fat cells were in heaven! My friend was more sensible and ordered a fritta with red pepper and some kind of homefries. It looked tasty.
Afterward, we wandered around the books. I liked the selections, there were places to park and peruse possible choices. All the staff, in the restaurant and bookstore, were friendly and helpful. An example is when we finished our meal, the server asked if we'd like our coffee to be transferred into go cups to take into the store. Nice!
The big box stores could learn a few things here. Check J-B's out.
If you're the sort of person who likes to buy independent, this is your Cincinnati bookstore. It doesn't necessarily have the indie feel due to its size and selection, but that just means you won't go home disappointed you couldn't find this or that. I think the size is ideal; it has plenty, but not so much that you can't browse without feeling overwhelmed.
Also, the cafe attached is a significant step up from those at the big chain stores. It serves real food and drinks and is actually pretty good.
I am utterly in awe of this place. It has the best art section I've seen... well.... ever in a large book store. Instead of only having those obnoxious 'learn to manga' books they actually have art books for ARTISTS. I was able to pick up a catalog of facial expressions that was organized by age with 3000 photos and 100 people. By far the coolest reference that i've seen in a long time. Their art section is actually organized not as a blob of drawing books, but by graphic design, and typography, and the like. It's so much easier on the eyes, and you don't end up rolling your eyes every few moments when you come across particularly feeble how to draw books.
Best place in Cincinnati to buy books -- for adults. Good regional chain with attentive staff and really fun author signing events. Restaurant attached is excellent and the *extras* like cards and gift wrap are marvelous. And they do gift-wrapping at Christmas - a HUGE time-saver for me...
But the children's section is *not* as good. Why? Because of the independent store down the street in Oakley called The Blue Manatee. THAT is the best children's bookstore in Cincinnati, if not the three state region.
Similar to Barnes and Noble and Borders but not as big. J-B is a regional chain with stores in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Charlotte and Lexington. They are more friendly and helpful than the national chains. It's more diverse than just a bookstore. They have an amazing children's section, a small but very good card section and great prices with sales seemingly every time we go here when in the QC. I love browsing there sports books and calendars and JB is always a great place to find gifts. This is a great company to support if you are fed up with Borders' and Barnes and Noble.
It manages to be a chain (albeit a small one) and larger than the majority of the Barnes & Noble's in town and yet feel like a homegrown store. Very helpful staff (I was looking through a copy of Mysteries of Pittsburgh the other day and a saleswoman walking by noticed me and told me it was one of her favorite books-thanks for the recommendation, mystery woman, because it was great!) and very clear layout. The music and dvd section is fantastic, but my favorite perk of Joseph-Beth is the cafe, Bronte Bistro. The food is way too delicious to be in a bookstore and they have a great counter for single seating, if you're starving but not ready to finish your book shopping! Highly highly recommended.
