9 Local Bookstores to Explore Around Centerville, OH

There’s nothing like finding a cozy corner and cracking open a book. A book can take you on a fantastic adventure all from the comfort of your home, and there’s nothing like walking into a local bookstore to spark the imagination. Here in Centerville, we’ve got quite a few high-quality bookstores to choose from, so you can support locals while filling your shopping basket with stories.

While we are on the topic of supporting locals, why not pay a visit to Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Centerville for your next car? At Performance, we know how important choosing a new car is, and we make it our mission to provide customers with all the information they need. So you can spend less time shopping, and more time driving your new car to one of the local bookstores and stocking up on adventures. Feel free to give us a call at (937) 434-9500. Let’s jump right in with our top recommendations for local bookstores around Centerville.

Books&Co

Image via Pixabay by LubosHouska

Books&Co is a lovely local book store in Dayton, OH. They have a number of book clubs, which you can join by visiting their website and giving the organizer a call. They also host local events, including visits by authors who present their new releases. The shop is running limited hours simply to look out for the health and safety of their customers and staff. This is a great local shop to support, with all kinds of books and educational support materials available.

One Dollar Book Swap

One Dollar Book Swap is renowned in the Dayton area for having a large selection of books, movies, and audiobooks. It’s actually a large warehouse, where everything inside costs only a dollar, so you won’t break the bank with a trip here. If you have an afternoon of free time, wandering down these halls and searching for hidden gems is the way to go. The selection is constantly changing so you can make this a monthly visit to reinvigorate your book shelves.

Epic Book Shop

Based in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Epic Book Shop sells both new and used books at reasonable prices. Beyond the typical selections you’ll find at most book shops, Epic has a large selection of books on religion, philosophy, healing, and related subjects. Bring your boxes of second-hand books to sell to them; they’re always looking for quality used books to buy. While you’re visiting to buy or sell books, you can also pick up incense, candles, and journals. They host events as well, check out their schedule for more information.

Bonnett’s Book Store

Bonnett’s Book Store is a local bookshop focused on antique, classic, and unusual books covering all kinds of subjects. Musicians can go to Bonnett’s to find detailed books on their instrument or music style. Comic lovers can find comics of all types. There are books for history buffs, biography fanatics, gardeners, and much more. The owner is well known for going out of his way to help each customer find what they need. This spot has that classic old book smell, welcoming you in to an afternoon of exploring.

Mulberry St Books

Located in downtown Lebanon, Mulberry St. Books is a quaint neighborhood book store where you can grab a cup of coffee and wander the aisles, searching for that perfect read. They offer up a wide variety of literature to suit any and all interests. They focus on second-hand books, but the owners are more than happy to order in new copies of anything you like. There’s also comfortable seating, so you can sit and enjoy your coffee while you get a preview of your next book purchase.

Books ‘N’ More

Books ‘N’ More is an independently owned book store in Wilmington, Ohio. Their storefront is currently closed, but you can now shop all of their incredible book collection online. This allows you to support a local book shop without even having to leave the house. They also support the community by providing books and e-books to schools and other organizations. Their website has tons of recommendations for age-appropriate reading and new authors to explore.

St. Mark Bookshop

A slightly different experience to your typical book store, St. Mark Bookshop serves the Miami Valley with a large collection of Catholic books. While you’re shopping for inspirational books, you can also pick up a unique Lego set to celebrate a First Communion. You can even set up a private shopping appointment. They offer a wide variety for all ages, as well as gifts and cards.

Once Upon a Thyme Bookshop

Another unique option especially for cooking enthusiasts is Once Upon a Thyme Bookshop. If you enjoy looking at incredible pictures of food while reading through recipes, this is the spot for you. They have a wide variety of cook books of course, as well as books that cover health, wellness, gardening, “foodie fiction,” celebrity chefs, and general books. Since this is a specialty shop, you can also join special cooking and educational events. Check their website before you visit as their shop is currently closed for maintenance.

Dayton Book Fair

Not quite a bookstore, but certainly a place to buy books, Dayton Book Fair is an event not to be missed. At Dayton Book Fair, their mission is to provide a meaningful place for people to donate used books. The proceeds they make from reselling these pre-loved books goes straight into a fund to benefit three local non-profits every year, so you’ll feel good about supporting them. Each year on the second weekend of November, Dayton Book Fair holds its annual sale at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Visit with an empty car and get all the books you can carry.

Enjoy a Good Read in Centerville

We hope this list has given you some inspiration to head out and buy a few new (or used) books. If we missed your favorite bookshop in the Centerville area, let us know. We’re always looking to update our selection. And don’t forget to visit Performance to get yourself behind the wheel of a brand new car, before you head out to one of these book stores.

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