June 7, 2016

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


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?

12 comments:

  1. That bookstore sounds like a dream! Looks really pretty as well, haha!

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  2. I love independent bookstores because their staff really know their books. Great to find one with a restaurant too.
    My TTT

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    Replies
    1. Exactly! You know they want to work there because they're passionate about books.

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  3. It's lovely that you've got a favourite bookstore. It does look absolutely stunning!

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  4. That book store looks amazing! And a YA section that would blow B&N away? I'm already in love and I've never been there. Your lucky! I wish that I had a bookstore like that. :)

    ~Anna

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    1. I don't know where you live, but if you're ever in the Lexington, KY area or the Cincinnati, OH area, you should try to go to Joseph-Beth. The Cincinnati store is pretty great, too.

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  5. That looks like an awesome bookstore! I loce that architecture, it looks very spacious and the YA section sounds awesome. Plus a restaurant. I'd probably spend a whole day there lol.

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  6. Ahhh I'm so jealous! It sounds like an AMZING bookstore! My town has one teeny tiny bookstore and ugh, the prices are horrible and the selection is worse (I don't even think they know the meaning of "new releases" honestly, bleh) so I covet living in a town with a good bookstore someday. xD Although I'd totally be broke hahah. #noregrets
    Here's my TTT!

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    1. Man, that sounds awful. I can only go to Joseph-Beth when I'm at my university, but my hometowns have great indies. Their YA selections aren't always great, but the staff are always willing to order stuff for me.

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  7. Wow, Joseph-Beth looks like a dreamy bookstore! There are next to no bookstores, indie or otherwise, in my hometown, but there are some cool ones in Nashville, where I am moving. Love the idea of the Bronte Bistro!!

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  8. Sounds like such a cool place. :)

    Check out my TTT.

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