After 25 years of teaching in various schools across the country, Melanie Moore rerouted her career to focus on inspiring a passion for reading by delivering the joy of books to cafés, flea markets and nonprofit events all from the bed of a vintage blue Volkswagen pickup truck. The Cincy Book Bus offers a unique, beautifully bound selection of reads along with a personable book-buying experience in a time where the internet offers instant gratification and two-day delivery. Moore and her husband, Tony, originally bought the truck from a cherry farm in Colorado and picked it up with cherry pits and juice stains still in the bed. It’s a manual and a little rickety, so Moore leaves the driving to Tony, who has an affinity for vintage vehicles. He’s happy to show off the book-mobile by welcoming customers into the driver’s seat or snapping photos of them with their newly purchased books in front of the bus. On days she’s not popping up at cafés and markets, she’s pulling into yard sales and shuffling through cardboard boxes or meticulously scanning each shelf in any store that sells books. She won’t pick up just anything — they’ve got to be unique and in good shape to make the cut. Though she stepped out of the education system several years ago, she still stays involved, helping schools in the area stock their libraries and participating in community literacy programs. Cincy Book Bus, facebook.com/cincybookbus.
1. Caldwell Family Wellness
2. Tiny Needle Community Acupuncture
3. Hamilton Health Associates
1. Hustler Hollywood
2. Dusty Flynt Sexy Gifts
3. High on the Hill
1. Ohio Valley Antique Mall
2. Florence Antique Mall
3. Wooden Nickel Antiques
1. Cincinnati Art Museum
2. Clifton Cultural Arts Center
3. Brazee Street Studios
1. Jake Sweeney Automotive
2. Beechmont Subaru
3. Walt Sweeney Ford
1. Jake Sweeney Automotive
2. Courtesy Automotive
3. Joseph Toyota of Cincinnati
1. Jake Sweeney Automotive
2. CarZmedics
3. Carriage House Car Wash
1. Donovan’s Auto & Tire Center
2. Tire Discounters
3. AAA | Bob Sumerel Tire and Service
