Mary Alice Wilson, who opened Dark Star Books and Comics (Yellow Springs) in 1982, shared with me: “I started Dark Star Books and Comics because I could. I had a bit of money and, after 30 years of teaching from fourth grade to college level and finding the majority of my students came to me loathing reading, I wanted a job that involved people who loved to read. But my love of teaching sort of seeped in, so now I really like being able to tell folks about interesting, new books coming out. I also like to get teenagers reading dystopian fiction (‘Hunger Games,’ for example) as a way of examining current political realities without the boredom factor. I named my store Dark Star after a very funny science-fiction movie by the guys who went on to make ‘Alien.’ Indie book stores are relevant because we have items a new bookstore would not have, such as out-of-print books and used books.”
Sam and Eddie Eckenrode opened Sam & Eddie’s Open Books (Yellow Springs) in 1996, drawing on Eddie’s experience at a previous bookstore and Sam’s studies as a literature major at Antioch College.
Sam says, “Most booklovers like to browse and see, feel and touch. Unfortunately for our society, social change has forced most independent bookstore owners to adapt to the fiscal realities of today by either closing or changing. In our shop, we have always emphasized the ‘museum-shop’ look and feel, offering many interesting cards, gifts, journals and music, in addition to books. Now, a few months into our 17th year, we are moving to a more manageable location in King’s Yard, just a few steps from our old location, at the beginning of October. For the first time ever, we will have a fully accessible shop, so our differently abled customers should be overjoyed!”
Brian and Susan Strawn opened their bookstore, Elysian Fields Books and More (Dayton), just this past spring, making their new store the newest addition to the regional indy line-up.
Brian explains, “Susan and I started the store because we wanted to combine our love of books with taking part in an already growing downtown Dayton community. We are passionate for perpetuating the written word and providing a podium (literally) for local artists. Our focus is to provide Dayton with a vibrant literary destination. The fun of independent bookstores is that you never know what you’re going to find. Most of us focus on a specific niche. We focus on more of the ‘geek’ demographic: sci-fi, fantasy, metaphysical. We also provide ample space for local authors and artists. When you walk in our store, you may even catch these artists in a coffee-fueled conversation with each other. Online stores and big bookstores are great for convenience, but you won’t find that same eclectic conversation or atmosphere.”
Independent bookstores in the Miami Valley
Blue Jacket Books
Features: Used and out-of-print books; occasional new books
Location: 60 S. Detroit St., Xenia
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Monday and Sunday
More info: www.bluejacketbooks.com or 937-376-3522
Bonnett’s Book Store
Features: Used books and DVDs, back issues of comics and magazines
Location: 502 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Hours: Monday-Saturday noon-8 p.m.; closed Sunday.
More info:
or (937) 228-1222
Books ‘N’ More
Features: New and used books, toys and puzzles, art supplies
Location: 28 W. Main St., Wilmington
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Sunday
More info: www.booksnmore.org or (937) 383-7323
Dark Star Books and Comics
Features: New and used books; comic books; collectibles
Location: 237 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Contact: www.darkstarbookstore.com or (937) 767-9400
Elysian Fields Books and More
Features: Mostly used and some new books; coffee and tea
Location: 436 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m.; closed Sunday. (Hours may extend; see Facebook page for updates.)
More info:
or (937) 222-7003
Jay and Mary’s Book Center
Features: New books, large calendar selection, wooden toys and puzzles, Winan’s chocolate and coffee shop
Location: 1201-C Experiment Farm Road, Troy
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
More info: www.jayandmarybooks.com or (937) 335-1167 or (800) 842-1604
Reader’s Delight New and Used Books
Features: New and used books; comic books
Location: 340 E. National Road, Vandalia
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
More info: www.readersdelight.net or (937) 387-6732
Sam & Eddie’s Open Books
Features: New and used books, cards, gifts
Location: 232 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs (moving to 220 Xenia beginning of Oct.)
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
More info:
or (937) 767-1966
About the Author