Cozy up in Ohio's Cover to Cover, one of the oldest US children's bookstores

Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have owner Bryan Loar of Cover to Cover Children's Books in Columbus, Ohio.

What’s your store’s story?

Cover to Cover Children's Books is one of the oldest children's bookstores in the United States. Founded in 1980, the bookshop has a long history of serving children, families and educators. We are a welcoming bookshop located in a historic, 100-year-old building, and we have hosted many unique events with internationally recognized authors and illustrators.

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

Cover to Cover is proudest of fostering a love of reading over generations. Children who grew up going to Cover to Cover events with legends like Eric Carle and Helen Oxenbury are now parents who instill a love of stories in their children. Customers love our welcoming and inclusive shop, and they appreciate our active involvement in the community through our kindness initiative and events like the Columbus Book Festival, which draws tens of thousands of people.

What's your favorite section in your store?

Our favorite section of the store is deep within the interior. Imagine a wall of original art by leading illustrators above a comfy couch where you and your loved ones can cozy up. A train table sits at your feet, waiting for a little one’s imagination and touch. You are surrounded by all sorts of interesting books – pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, slide and other interactive titles. In just a few minutes, your favorite author will be coming in for a reading, and the area will be transformed with handmade quilts to sit upon while you hear the author act out their latest picture book. This is just one peek into Cover to Cover’s magic.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

We absolutely love "The Green Kingdom" by authors Cornelia Funke and Tammi Hartung with illustrations by Melissa Castrillon. This middle grade novel for ages 10 and up has it all – mystery, history in a contemporary setting, a beautifully diverse cast of characters and a satisfying ending.

What book do you think deserves more attention and why?

"You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce!: The Storied Life of Folk Artist Elijah Pierce" is an absolute beauty of a book. While the picture book biography received some praise in 2023, we believe this outstanding title deserves more attention. The care and research that went into the book by authors Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Van Vleet is superb, and the art by woodcutter Jennifer Mack-Watkins deftly mirrors Elijah’s art. Together, the story and illustrations bring to light an important folk artist who appeals to all readers.

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important? 

Shopping at local, independent bookstores builds community, reinvests back into the area, employs neighbors, and brings a unique voice to the region. Cover to Cover hosts weekly events where friends gather. The bookstore is a welcoming space for all who have love in their hearts. Over the last eight years, we have gifted schools and educators over $10,000 through discounts and donations. We support various boosters focused on youth, and our kindness initiative in 2025 has given back to organizations like local food banks. Our staff has deep expertise in children’s literature, and we employ individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our voice is unique with representation at its heart. Above our front door, there's a quote from Rudine Sims Bishop, the “mother of multicultural literature,” clearly positioning our work to provide books that reflect the reader as well as see and experience other perspectives.

What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share?

An Evening with Authors Margaret Peterson Haddix and Natalie D. Richards

• Date and Time: August 5, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Columbus Metropolitan Library Hilliard Branch in Hilliard, OH
• Join 2025 Edgar Award-winning authors Margaret Peterson Haddix and Natalie D. Richards on August 5, 2025 at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Hilliard Branch. Hear the stories behind Haddix's "Mysteries of Trash and Treasure" series and Richards' "15 Secrets to Survival." Families will receive one free copy of each of the authors' books, while supplies last, thanks to Battelle. An author signing and book sale with Cover to Cover Children's Books will follow the author talk. The event is free, but registration is required. Learn more at columbuslibrary.org.

STEAM Sundays

• Date and Time: Every Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Cover to Cover Children's Books
• Visit Cover to Cover Children's Books every Sunday at 1 p.m. for fun, activity-led events that focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math (S.T.E.A.M.). With occasional special guests and field experts, each event promises to be a unique experience. STEAM Sundays are best suited for ages 5 and up. Learn more at covertocoverchildrensbooks.com.