Whether you’re looking for biographies, fantastical fiction, faith-based reading, immersive comic book universes or children’s books, the Cleveland-area bookstore scene has got you covered. While many national chains are dying off (thanks, Amazon), these independently-owned area stores are still holding strong, offering the same great literary options and homey feeling they always have.

Appletree Books 12419 Cedar Rd., 216-791-2665 Appletree is a gorgeous two-floor space, including an inside balcony that looks over the store, and a flight of stairs designed to look like there’s a book spine that forms each step. They also have an amazing children’s section. Photo via secondcityguides/Instagram
Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop 17462 Lorain Ave., 216-252-0606 CNJ’s has been a staple on the west side for more than 20 years, and they’re particularly famous for their staff, who are insanely well-versed in comic books through the ages, and can recommend the perfect volume for you, no matter your interest. Photo courtesy of Carol and John’s Comic Shop
Visible Voice Books 2258 Professor Ave., 216-961-0084 Visible Voice Books is cozy and homey, which is why one of its defining features (other than its outstanding book stock) is its cafe, where they serve coffee, tea and pastries, so you can truly feel like you’re at home. Plus, as the day goes on, check out their beer and wine selections. Even more of a plus? Crust pizza is just downstairs. Photo courtesy of Visible Voice Books
North Coast Nostalgia 5853 Ridge Rd., 440-845-7040 NCN is known for its great selection for merchandise and comic books, but it’s also a great and welcoming space. Regulars will tell you that it’s one of the only comic book shops where no one is singled out for being female, and that kind of nonchalant equality the store showcases is aspiration. Photo via mamasamess/Instagram
Zubal Books 2969 W. 25th St., 216-241-7460 Zubal specializes in art, photography, military, entertainment and history books, and the best part is, every book is $5. Members also get a special discount and heads-up on their discount sales, so join the club to access their gorgeous, affordable volumes. Photo via anastasiado/Instagram
The Bookstore and Handmade Marketplace 109 W Washington St., Medina, 330-952-0404 This store is a full-service pillar of Medina. The bookstore offers a high-quality selection of hand-picked titles, and offers publishing consultation services for a small fee to independent authors. Plus, the Handmade Marketplace celebrates local craftsmanship and offers some great choices. Photo courtesy of The Bookstore and Handmade Marketplace
Mac’s Backs 1820 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-2665 Mac’s Backs embodies the Coventry spirit of peaceful revolution. The packed space offers up all kinds of fare, though largely with a hippie-lean. Sign up for their monthly sci-fi, general interest and feminist book clubs, and be sure to pop through their adjoining door to Tommy’s when you get peckish. Photo via macs_backs/Instagram
T&L Christian Books 13633 Euclid Ave., 216-541-0002 T&L has a wide range of goods that touch on the Christian faith. They have many different Bible translations, gospel music, historical and contemporary Christian books and study materials for those enrolled in religious training. Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Loganberry Books 13015 Larchmere Blvd., 216-795-9800 Loganberry, in the darling Larchmere district, has best-sellers and rare vintage finds, but they’re also known for their unique events, like the annual Edible Books Festival where, since 2004, book-lovers have participated in a contest to make something both edible and book-like. Photo via the Scene Archives
Last Exit Books 124 E Main St., Kent, 330-677-4499 Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse is a great spot on Kent’s Main Street to grab some locally-roasted coffee and locally-sourced baked goods while your browse. They also advertise local goings-on, so be sure to check out the foyer before you delve into their extensive reading collection. Photo via bri_gavin13/Instagram
The Bookshop in Lakewood 15014 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-5222 The Bookshop in Lakewood one of the most, er, unique workforces in the Cleveland bookstore community. Sure, Hobbes may not be the most efficient shelver, or be able to recommend her favorite reads, but this tortoiseshell-colored cat is still an absolutely purr-fect addition to the well-stocked store. Photo via lakewoodbookshop/Instagram
Imaginary Worlds Comics and Collectibles 13446 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-271-7423 Since 2015, Imaginary Worlds has quickly ingratiated itself into the east side with its regular celebration of Free Comic Book Day, filled with aplomb and great selections of comics you probably didn’t know your life was missing. Photo via criticalhitgames/Instagram
Horizontal Books 1921 W. 25th St., 216-298-4411 Known for its massively discounted-but-still-brand-new selection, Horizontal Books is stuffed to the gills with a broad spectrum of books in great condition. They’re so cheap, you’ll feel bad leaving empty-handed. Photo via pamplemoussed/Instagram
Ground Zero Comics and Cards 15139 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, 440-572-9599 Ground Zero is tiny but crazy well-stocked, so the experience is completely immersive as soon as you walk through the door. The comic books are the crown jewel, but their card games, like Magic the Gathering, are also worth the five. Photo via scksdwrld/Instagram
Frank’s Hebrew Bookstore 14425 Cedar Rd., South Euclid, 216-291-9847 Sure, Frank’s has the best selection of Hebrew books around, but the store offers more than that. They stock Judaica, including holiday items, and Israeli and Cantorial music. Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Fireside Bookshop 29 N Franklin St., Chagrin Falls, 440-247-4050 Fireside Books is a Chagrin Falls staple, operating since 1963. The store is flush with fascinating titles and cozy spots to tuck into them. Plus, if you listen closely, the falls are only a short distance away. Photo via egaffney509/Instagram
Comics Are Go 5188 Detroit Rd., Elyria, 440-695-8401 Comics Are Go is a particularly celebratory comics haven, with its love of events like Free Comic Day, New Comic Book Day and Local Comic Book Day. Comics Are Go loves to celebrate everything that makes comics great, and if you’re even a fraction as enthusiastic as they are, it’s definitely worth checking out. Photo via dragonfly_321/Instagram
Comic Heaven 4847 Robinhood Dr., Willoughby, 440-942-6960 Comic Heaven has all the latest from the biggest names in comics in addition to indie hits, but they also have some great vintage finds, even from franchises like DC and Marvel. Photo via meli65/Instagram
Learned Owl 204 N Main St., Hudson, 330-653-2252 Learned Owl has a vast selection, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to one of their employees for a recommendation. Well-versed in all genres, their staff is perfectly picked to answer your questions. Photo via megansampsel/Instagram
Books of Aurora 528 E. Garfield Rd., Aurora, 330-995-3228 Rita of Books of Aurora has been in the book business since the ’70s, and she really knows her stuff. She’s passionate about her work, and excels at picking the perfect book for her customers. Plus, she offers discounts for teachers and librarians. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

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