If your kids are like mine, then they probably raise quite a fuss when it’s time to return books to the library. My kids love reading — and I have a very liberal policy when it comes to books. Toys are limited (and constantly being rotated, donated or given away), but books are unlimited in our house. We frequent Half Price Books, Joseph Beth and our neighborhood’s Little Free Library. Our favorite place; however, is the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
We could spend all afternoon at our local library. My kids eagerly pull book after book off the shelves, taking in all the pictures, begging me to read. Harvey is obsessed with the giant books. I love getting new books every week — books we read again and again. I love the variety and the volume. I love the new-to-me authors. We love a good bookstore — but the library can’t be beat.
Until, of course, it’s time to return the books. But we’d go broke if we bought all the library books my kids enjoyed! Or… would we?
Located in the small Cincy suburb of Hartwell is the The Friends’ Used Book Store at the Warehouse. And it’s amazing.
On the outside, The Friends’ Used Book Store at the Warehouse doesn’t look like much — an older building nestled on a quaint neighborhood street corner. But venture inside, and treasures await. You’ll find it all: classics, comics, poetry, nonfiction, LPs, DVDs — even VHS (for your old-school parents who still have that combo VHS/DVD player).
The children’s section is astounding. It’s as large as your favorite library branch’s children’s department — but better, because everything is for sale! And these books are priced to sell: most of the kids’ books I saw were between $1 and $3. And unlike other used book stores, these library books are in mint condition — and virtually indestructible thanks to their heavy duty covers.
My kids absolutely love being able to browse, read and then ultimately select books from the Warehouse. (And they even sell those supersized kids’ books, too!)
This hidden gem is open just three days a week: Mondays from 5:30-7:30 pm, Wednesdays from 10 am-2 pm and Saturdays from 10 am-4 pm. But there are some notable exceptions, like the upcoming Winter Warehouse Sale Feb. 6-9. This sale is the perfect opportunity to restock your kids’ bookshelves, all while benefitting the Cincinnati Public Library!
Next time you’re looking for somewhere to go on a rainy day, mix things up a bit and check out the The Friends’ Used Book Store at the Warehouse.
The The Friends’ Used Book Store at the Warehouse is located at 8456 Vine Street in Hartwell, 45216.
