Bookspace: For people who love books and talking about them, and who appreciate an independent bookseller with a quality selection

I grew up outside of Cleveland, Ohio and I now live in Columbus, Ohio. I didn’t grow up with a huge appreciation for books because they were forced upon us in school, but starting in high school I loved reading books on my own–books about whatever I was interested in.

After college when I had more free time to educate myself however I saw fit, I became passionate about books; I was always reading. I realized there was an endless number of wonderful books out there, and we can learn so much from them. I want to share that sense of wonder and endless learning with the people of Columbus–the city that I love. I want to be the source where people come to learn something new.

Right now Bookspace exists as a pop-up shop; I participate in flea markets all around Columbus, selling used books to people at fair prices. It has been truly inspiring, the positive response I have received from people who love books and talking about them, and who appreciate an independent bookseller with a quality selection. I have been building up my stock of quality used books for about a year, and I already have about enough to open a store.

I want Bookspace to grow to occupy a modestly-sized shop here in Columbus. I want to connect with the people of this city over books and a shared spirit of learning and growing. I’m calling it Bookspace because I want it to be more than just a bookstore–I want it to also be a space where people feel comfortable being, relaxing, reading, sharing ideas. I want to use it as an event space in the evenings; I plan on hosting readings, small music shows, and other community-building events. I want Bookspace to be a vital part of the community of Columbus.

I would like to refinance a small amount of debt, buy a new computer that I will use in the store when I have one, and buy more new books. I will be able to increase profit on the new books I will buy, thereby moving things along at a quicker pace, making it more imminent that I will be able to rent and occupy a brick-and-mortar space.