[Last updated May 2026]
As an avid reader who loves to support local businesses, I’m always on the hunt for my next read. I tend to shop for used books, but if a local bookstore has a new book I’ve been eyeing, I’ll scoop it up.
I figured it was finally time to round up a list of new and used independent bookstores in Akron. And–you know how we roll at Everyday Akron–I couldn’t just stop at bookstores. I’ve also included information on library book sales, comic book stores, and publishers in the Greater Akron area.
Many of these places offer more than just books. Some are able to do special orders, others invite local authors for readings and signings, some host special events and meetups, and so much more.
Because some of these places are outside of Akron, you may feel they are “too far” to visit. But, combine them with something else in the area or stop by when you’re passing through. You never know what you’ll find!
Be sure to check a location’s website for hours and other details.
Bookstores in Akron & the Greater Akron Area
- Banned Books Box (Akron – Northside) – Shop their display at Northside Marketplace and subscribe to their monthly box featuring banned books and other goodies.
- Black Cat Books & Oddities (Medina) – Visit themed rooms to shop new books for all ages.
- The BookShelf (Medina & Wadsworth) – Gently used books for all ages and interests. Purchases support Project: LEARN.
- The Checkered Shelf Bookshop (Cleveland Heights) – Located in the Cedar Fairmount District, they offer a variety of books and host a book club.
- Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre (Akron) – This bookstore amplifies and celebrates marginalized voices. Shop online or in person at Northside Marketplace.
- Last Exit Books and Coffee House (Kent) – Used books, music, and movies, as well as some new books.
- The Learned Owl (Hudson) – Shop new books in person or online.
- Mythical Bookworm (Munroe Falls) – Used books for all ages
- Parallel Universe Bookstore (Cleveland) – This sci-fi and fantasy bookstore hosts author events and book discussions.
- Shelf Life (Cuyahoga Falls) – Used book shop that “focuses on affordability and accessibility to books for all ages and reading levels with a low-cost/no-cost pricing model.”
- Snowball Bookshop (Barberton) – Features used and out-of-print books, as well as cute shop cats.
- Trust Books (Akron – Northside, and Cuyahoga Falls) – Used books in True North and Jenks Building.
- Under the Covers (Cleveland) – This romance-only bookstore is located in Kamms Corner.
- Visible Voice Books (Cleveland) – Their new location has a variety of books, a cafe and events featuring poetry readings, book signings, live music and more.
- Woven Words Bookshop (Bath) – New and used books and gifts with frequent events and craft nights
Akron-Area Library Book Sales
- Friends of Main Library’s Library Shop at Main has used books at great prices.
- Also be sure to check your local Akron-Summit County Public Library branch for on-going book sales and annual events by their Friends of the Library group!
- Check out these library systems and their friends groups for book sales, too:
Comic Book Stores Near Akron, Ohio
- JC Comics and Cards (Cuyahoga Falls)
- Johnny Scott Enterprises (Kent)
- Kenmore Komics & Games (Akron – Kenmore)
- Magic City Comics (Barberton)
- Nine Realms Comics and Gaming (Fairlawn)
- Red Curtain Comics & Collectible (Akron – Portage Lakes)
- Rubber City Comics (Akron – Downtown)
Northeast Ohio Publishers
Check out local publishers in Northeast Ohio for books by local authors and on local subjects.
- 1701 Press
- Gray & Company Publishers – Books about Ohio, Cleveland, and more
- The University of Akron Press – Scholarly, literary, and general interest books with regional and national significance
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