Clintonville Books: A New York-Inspired Bookstore Opens in Columbus
Grant Sabatier has opened a new bookstore called Clintonville Books in Clintonville, Ohio. He is a Penguin Random House author and a book collector. Sabatier moved to Clintonville four years ago with his wife, an anthropology professor at Ohio State University. He wanted to create a New York City bookstore experience in his new community.
Sabatier has a passion for books and used some of his book royalties to fund the store. He aimed to capture the essence of beloved New York City bookstores like Left Bank Books, Mass Books, and The Strand Bookstore. He describes Clintonville as a community rich in creativity and intellect.
Clintonville Books offers a range of new, used, and rare books. The selection includes current releases and award-winning titles such as The Booker Prize and Nobel Prize winners. The store also holds unique finds, including collectible books on various topics like gardening, cooking, and hobbies. One highlighted book is “How to knit your own Norwegian sweater.”
The bookstore features seven rare bookcases with volumes dating back to the 16th century, alongside signed first editions. Sabatier aims to make this collection a distinctive part of Columbus.
How does Grant Sabatier plan to curate the collection at Clintonville Books to reflect local interests?
Interview with Grant Sabatier, Founder of Clintonville Books
By [Your Name], News Editor
Q: Grant, congratulations on the opening of Clintonville Books! What inspired you to start this bookstore in Clintonville?
A: Thank you! Moving to Clintonville four years ago, I quickly fell in love with the community’s creativity and intellect. I wanted to bring a piece of New York City’s vibrant bookstore culture—think Left Bank Books and The Strand—to our new home. I realized there was a unique prospect here to create a gathering place for book lovers.
Q: can you tell us about the type of books available at Clintonville Books?
A: We offer a diverse selection of new,used,and rare books. from current releases to award-winning titles like Booker Prize and Nobel Prize winners, there’s something for everyone. We also have a special collection of unique finds—such as collectible books on gardening, cooking, and hobbies. One of my favorites is “How to Knit Your Own Norwegian sweater,” perfect for crafting enthusiasts!
Q: You’ve mentioned rare books. What makes your collection at Clintonville Books stand out?
A: Our store features seven rare bookcases that house volumes dating back to the 16th century, along with signed first editions. I believe this collection will be a distinctive element of Columbus, showcasing our commitment to rare literature and preserving history through books.
Q: Beyond selling books, what other role do you envision Clintonville Books playing in the community?
A: Clintonville Books will serve as a cultural hub. We plan to host various events—folk music concerts, jazz shows, poetry readings, and author signings. I want the store to be a place where people come together to celebrate literature and the arts, fostering connections within the community.
Q: How have you and your family adjusted to life in Clintonville?
A: We feel very much at home here. My wife is an anthropology professor at ohio State, and we have a 2-year-old daughter. It’s meaningful to me that she grows up in an habitat rich in books and learning.I want Clintonville Books to be a vibrant space where she can explore her love for reading.
Q: Lastly,what do you hope for the future of Clintonville Books?
A: My hope is that Clintonville Books becomes a beloved cornerstone of the community—where readers of all ages find joy in books,and where we can foster a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. I envision it as a place of finding, inspiration, and connection, a true reflection of the spirit of Clintonville.
Clintonville Books will also serve as a cultural center. The store plans to host events, including folk music concerts, jazz shows, poetry readings, and author signings.
Sabatier and his family, including their 2-year-old daughter, have embraced Clintonville as their home. He hopes to create a vibrant bookstore for the community, where his daughter can grow up surrounded by books.