There is an inconspicuous brick storefront in Columbus’ historic German Village that holds a wonderland of books behind its doors. The Book Loft, one of the largest independent bookstores in the United States, is located right here in Columbus. The bookstore has 32 rooms of books organized by genre, which explains the title. As you wander from room to room, navigating the maze of shelves, it feels like the building never ends. This pre-Civil War building was once home to general stores, saloons, and a Nickelodeon cinema. Starting in 1977, the store bought neighboring businesses as they closed and connected them all through a series of walkways and staircases.

No matter your preference, The Book Loft seems to have a book for everything. They offer a range of genres from travel guides to comics and crafting instructions. Even those who are not avid readers might stumble upon something of value. Additionally, there are tables laden with books that fill the old brick patio. Due to the unique setup, rooms and hallways can be cramped, and the store can tend to be busy on weekends. However, they are open from 10am to 11pm every day, providing plenty of options for visiting. And don’t forget to stop by Stauff’s Coffee next door, another local gem!