The Book Loft, Columbus, Ohio, "a labyrinth of books, with corridors connecting 32 rooms in a building that spans the length of one city block is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year," the Lantern reported.
Co-owner Carl Jacobsma cautioned that first-time visitors should "expect to be surprised, because it is unlike any other bookstore," adding that the store has been successful despite challenges from chains and online retailers: "The (independent bookstores) that are established, like we are, continue to survive alongside major chains.... I think we have a niche that people come here for. They don't want to just order something off the Internet. They want to come here and handle the book and look at it. They want to read the excerpts from it."
Customer Dan Conway agreed: "It's like a library at Hogwarts. And I like the close environment of the store. Barnes & Noble is nothing like that."
