Last Exit Books—Kent, Ohio
I do not remember when Last Exit Books initially opened its doors in Kent (turns out, it was 2004). Before that happy day, I had been perfectly satisfied with Heartland Books and Archer’s Used and Rare Books; however, both bookstores closed. Replacing them were Last Exit in the Heartland space, and an ever-changing bunch of stores in the Archer’s spot. (Notably, Starbucks moved in next door to the former Archer’s in a location that had been home to Brady’s Café. For many years, that thriving little coffee shop featured monthly, open-mic poetry readings that were planned and hosted by our community’s greatly loved Poet Maj Ragain, who passed away in 2018). Gladly, Archers continues to prosper as an online shop that specializes in baseball, botany, gardening, music, Ohioana, True Crime, and more. ArchersBooks@yahoo.com
But then there was the fateful day when my daughter and I wandered into Last Exit Books for the first time. Both of us are book fanatics, and we almost never met a bookstore that did not capture our reading hearts. So we wander into this tiny, tiny space—barely enough room to turn around twice—and met the owner and fellow book lover: Jason. He sat unobtrusively behind a pile of books and was smart enough to let us browse, uninterrupted, while also answering our occasional questions about books he had…books he read…books he enjoyed.
Ever since that day, we have been faithful and frequent visitors, purchasers, and fans of Last Exit Books and Jason. Over the years, he has expanded the store to almost-epic proportions. There are rooms of books, a special section for children’s books, walls of DVD films, CDs, and lots and lots of poetry. Where other, big-name stores give poetry just a sliver of attention, Jason set aside a prime location and generous space for the hundreds of poetry books that are available. Of course, he has everything else, too—science fiction, fiction, cookbooks, self-help, graphic novels, manga…you name it, he either has it or is getting it in.
Plus, the man has a mind like a steel trap. Many times I have either phoned him—or popped into the store—to ask about a specific book or author. He always knows if he (1) has the book…(2) had the book…(3) where the book is located in the store.
What’s more, he added a little coffee shop—Kent’s Main Street side—with plenty of room for people to sit, read, drink coffee or tea, and chat. AND…he hosts poetry readings and open mics (albeit not during the pandemic). And AND…he recently opened another space that is devoted just to music…CDs, vinyl.
Clearly, Kent is in great shape with our fabulous little bookstore located in the heart of town. And, so, on Saturday, August 29, when we honor our country’s independent bookstores—which are keeping many of us engaged and sane during the pandemic—I celebrate Last Exit Books, located at 124 East Main Street in Kent, Ohio.
Which Independent Bookstore will you celebrate? Comment below…….
