Luddites rejoice! There’s a new independent bookstore opening in Over-the-Rhine.
Joy and Matt’s Bookshop will be located at 1515 Vine St., and is slated to host a grand opening Aug. 14.
Helmed by Matt Stonecash and Haixia “Joy” Niu, the duo hopes to both provide books to the community and encourage discovery.
“I loved The Booksellers (on Fountain Square),” says Stonecash. “Since it closed, there has been a shortage of spaces to browse and discover books, especially new titles. Joy and I are excited to take that challenge on and provide a new space for discovery.”
Niu, who immigrated to America from China in 2012, says books helped her learn English, “but also opened my eyes to the world outside the research laboratories I worked in,” according to a release. “We want to let our community have this opportunity, to know books as essential nutrients that make the mind grow stronger.”
Joy and Matt’s Bookshop will feature “handpicked” new and used books of any and all genres. They’ll also be on hand to help match readers with reading material. Their stated mission is to “promote reading as a lifestyle and connect people with books that entertain, educate, challenge and inspire.”
They also aim to be a community center that acts as a literacy and education resource in the neighborhood.
To that end, 20% of book sales from the grand opening on Aug. 14 will be donated to the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati.
Joy and Matt’s Bookshop is located at 1515 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. More info: joyandmatts.com.
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This article appears in Jul 21 – Aug 4, 2021.