Top Ten Tuesday: Reasons Why I Love Joseph-Beth Booksellers

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The topic this week was "ten reasons I love ____," and I decided to go with one of my favorite bookstores in existence. I've only been shopping there for a little under two years, but every visit I pay them is a treat. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit Joseph-Beth Booksellers, particularly the Lexington, KY location, you're missing out.

1. The size of their stores

They're probably about the size of a Barnes & Noble, maybe a little larger, but they're so big for an indie bookstore, which means more space for books and events.

2. The Bronte Bistro

I haven't had the opportunity to eat there yet, but I think it's so cool that they have their own restaurant (and not just a Starbucks cafe). Plus, they named it after one of the coolest sister trios to ever live.

3. The YA section

It's the best I've ever encountered at a bookstore. It leaves Barnes & Noble's in the dust.

4. The fountain

It's at the Lexington location and every time I go with former roomie and her boyfriend, we throw a penny in. 

5. The helpful booksellers

Perks of an indie bookstore! There's always a few roaming the floor, and one found a book I wanted for my dad's Christmas present and another tried to help us hunt down a specific copy of The Hobbit (although the store ended up not having that edition). And whenever I check out, often one of the booksellers will be interested in the YA books I'm buying or they'll ask if I've read another YA book.

6. The architecture

I don't remember much about the Cincinnati location, but I love the look of the Lexington location. Here are exhibits A, B, and C:

 

7. The Gives Back membership

Like many bookstores, JB has a special membership that gives you exclusive discounts (and access to their VIP night parties, which are great fun). Not only that, though, you can choose one of five local charities/organizations and JB will donate a percentage of every purchase you make to that charity.

8. The book displays

They set up great displays around the YA section, and elsewhere in the store. Here are two of my favorites I've seen:

9. The fact that they're where I discovered the Flexibound editions

This is a very specific reason, but it's a good one nonetheless. Without JB, I would never have known the Flexibound editions of classics exist. They're so pretty, y'all. Check one out here. This can't give you the full idea of what it looks and feels like, though; words and designs are stamped into the cover and it feels like leather. They're beautiful and the only duplicates of classics I deem worthy of owning.

10. Whenever I go there, it feels like my home away from home.

I step through the doors, take a deep breath, and I feel like I could stay forever.

What did you talk about in your Top Ten Tuesday post today? And if you have a local indie bookstore you frequent, why do you love it?