Areopagitica Books

A fine bookstore, but not a standout. The selection in all areas is reasonably good, but it’s hard to find gems here. As a store specialization in rare and antiquarian books, it’s a bit subpar – there aren’t that many, and few rare or valuable ones. But for a decent general selection of used literature, art, history, etc, it’s worth a look.

I would say if you’re looking for a collector’s item of historical books this might be a good place for you. Indeed, on their business cards it describes what they sell as «antiquarian, rare and out-​of-​print books». They buy books from other people and actually not all of the books are unknown. I saw quite a few copies of Harry Potter books, alongside an anthology of the Bobbsey Twin books by Edward Stratemeyer (pen name Laura Lee Hope) in great condition. Bring a history buff, they’ll probably like this place because there are plenty of history books (local, national and global) as well as biographies of historical figures like past presidents.
In the back it’s pretty wide open with plenty of comfy seating for reading, but there are no windows and it’s kind of dim. The place certainly has the look of an old bookstore, at least in the front as shelves are close together. Curiously there were books in boxes about the place. People are selling a lot of things to make an extra buck these days, the owner relayed to me.

This review is hard for me. I’m torn between a great selection and terrible atmosphere.
It’s neither dirty enough nor clean enough for my taste. The front of the store is fine. I was greeted warmly by the two owners and their dog when I opened the door. The woman was overwhelmingly pleasant and helpful. She was obviously proud of her shop. And the man relaxed in a chair talking to a customer about the day and his health, etc.
But it kind of feels like they moved some book shelves into an old office space. Which is probably the case. The carpet is of the old gray indoor/​outdoor variety, and the walls are painted white. I didn’t feel particularly comfortable there. However, it was busy. That probably had something to do with it.
The selection however, was great. I thumbed through a lot of great old books that I don’t normally see. And the prices were affordable.
I’ll go back and chat up the owners when it’s not so busy.

Although I wouldn’t go there to find a recently released book, I find myself wandering in there when i’m looking for something unique and beautiful. There is no better place that i’ve found to pick up ancient gorgeous books. Their Art History section tends to have little jewels each time I go there.
The two who run the store are in a league of their own. They are some of the sweetest people that i’ve come across in columbus in a long time. They’re both professors of english who reached a point in their lives where they didn’t know what else to do. It was a dream of theirs to open a used book store, and so Areopagitica was born.
I wouldn’t stop by if I were looking for a specific text, but I always find myself there (munching on the cookies they put out almost every day for customers, and sipping the coffee) browsing and finding tidbits to add to my collection, or sitting on their couch chatting with them while I scritch their old dog’s ears.
If you want a book, go somewhere else. If you want an experience, visit here.

This is the rare used book store for the claustrophobic. Areopagitica Books (the name is taken from the title of an anti-​censorship tract by John Milton) holds an average amount of books, but houses them in a wide-​open floor plan.
The store is made up of two large, empty-​feeling rooms. This gives browsers the ability to breathe easily as they shop.
Areopagitica has a considerable selection of antique books as well as a few more modern editions and titles. The books vary in prices from steals (the $ 1 bargain table) to slightly overpriced.
The employees are colorful and friendly. They are eager to help in any way around the shop. Still, it is easy to casually look around here. I’ll likely stop in when I’m looking for a neat older edition of a classic book.