Joseph-Beth Booksellers

More of this please! Bookstores have gone the way of the dinosaur, but this independent store is one of the few survivors and is thriving. This place is spacious with a wide variety of books. They even have an adjoining café and places within the store to sit down and read. I especially like the extensive selection of local books. The Internet is nice, but Joseph Beth is a reminder that bookstores when run right are truly irreplaceable.

Great bookstore, but my favorite part is all of the unique shopping upstairs. Books by Kentucky authors, stationary, jewelry, lotions, and much more! I could have easily spent hundreds of dollars! I highly recommend a visit!

Is there anything better to do on a rainy evening than browse a bookstore? This bookstore is very large and it’s easy for me to find an interesting novel or two pursuing its shelves and tables.
I love Joseph-Beth’s wide range of categories (generous amount of local interest books). They also have a section for stationary and gifts. I love the wide range of magazines they offer-​even foreign ones.
The children’s section downstairs is delightful and when I have gone there to get gifts they have always had the books that I am looking for. The employees are very helpful.

The last of a dying breed. It is one of the largest bookstores that we have ever seen. A great place to browse, read, and relax on an afternoon or evening in Lexington. A real plus is that it’s next door to Whole Foods!

This is a dangerous place to go if you’re a book fiend like me! After visiting yesterday for just «one book for the weekend» I walked out with SEVEN. Luckily I made a point to get their rewards card in December so that it didn’t completely break the bank.
Let me explain. I love to read. I can never get enough. However, I’m also really picky. I get overwhelmed by typical bookstores (I’m looking at you, B&N) to the point that I usually walk out empty handed saying «I’ll just find something on Amazon.» And I don’t always like the most popular books of the moment. That super popular book that got turned into a super popular movie last year? Yeah, chances are I hated it.
But Joseph Beth just gets me. They curate their selections better than any other bookstore I’ve ever been to. I know exactly which tables to go to to find my next book, and my husband has his favorite table as well. Their staff is really helpful and knowledgeable and their love of books really shows. Walk in anytime and I guarantee you’ll be able to find your next favorite book. (Or seven!)

Okay, so I know I am a bit quirky and that is probably what many of my Unilocal followers, on here, have probably observed as well. That is just it, I tend to do quirky things.
So over the last couple of days, I went to this bookstore and today I had observed, one of the managers was onto me about it. Apparently, I had been coming in, which I did, and I read books. OMG WHAT A CRIME!
Well the first time he talked to me, I was in one of those comfy rocking chairs that they had (which I would guess, would entice people to read??). The conversation went something like «Sir, do you work at the mall? Over the last 5 days, I have seen you coming in and reading books. This is not a library and so if you want to stay here, you will have to buy something!» O_​O
Now, if you were to meet me, I am a person that will not say anything, if I cannot say anything nice and so I was just like «Okay.» In my head I was like «Is it now a crime to burn some time at bookstores? Is it considered „loitering“ in a bookstore to be sitting there and reading?»
I digress. Well, from putting myself in his shoes, I guess I could have been equivalent to a hobo, going inside a store and sleeping; however, I am sure I was not bringing down the standard of the place by wearing business casual. The second time he caught me, he interrupted me in the middle of a page saying «Did you want me to put that [book] on hold so you can buy it? (I was reading a huge ass book about Walt Disney) Were you here all morning? Well, I will not ask you to leave; however, if the other manager comes and tells you, what I told you (that this is not a library), then just be warned because I told you.» –_​–
At this point, I think the manager because he claimed to be, or whoever he was, was a kind of a jerk. He has glasses and has a beard. If you see him, BE FOREWARNED!
Look, if you do not want people READING in a bookstore, put a sign up that says that ONLY IF YOU BUY SOMETHING, CAN YOU READ! or not have ANY chairs to sit on (people standing would get the hint that they should not be reading long until their back hurts, craned over a book.) Of course, they would never put that because in order to BUY THE BOOK, it would have to interest one, upon reading it~

Been coming here for years, literally since in was a teenager.
I’ve always been pleased with their science fiction and fantasy section. Not to mention their ability to bring in authors from various genres.
I’ve been to events with hundreds of people and to events with literally less than 20. They want to bring in good authors not just well known authors.
I’ve also found several new series over the years from their staff recommendation tags on the shelves.
If you read a lot of newer books the rewards program pays for itself pretty fast.

Pretty great store that I have never heard of being from the North. The store has a giant selection of books from old to new. The downstairs is mostly for the children and the main level is for all ages. I was lucky enough to be here for a book signing for a book called Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes that my nieces husband is featured. I am feeling lucky and blessed to be here with my family!

Joseph Beth is a great book store. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I’ve been to a few of the events, and they’re very well managed. It’s also impressive how much they cater to the Lexington reading community through these events, and how they are able to bring these authors into town.
I have one criticism: they could have a better graphic novel selection. I’m not a reader of manga, so I can’t speak to what they have in regards to that. However, it would be great if they had a larger selection of classics. They always have the new volumes, and I appreciate that.

Great local bookstore. Large, clean, and well-​stocked. And if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’re more than glad to order it in or even suggest alternative reading material if possible. I also really appreciate that the children’s area is downstairs as well, as it helps preserve that quiet library feel in the main part of the store.
Sadly, this store has to stock an assortment of chotchkies and knickknacks to keep up with places like Barnes and Noble. That having been said, there is some really cool stuff here. Lots of Maker’s Mark merch, gourmet food products, and Vera Bradley bags, if that’s what you’re into. Personally, not into Vera Bradley, but I know some folks are.

I’ve been buying books and brunching here since I was a wee thing! For a small chain they’ve got a huge selection of books.
I’m a poetry lover so I’m especially pleased in their larger-​than-​most selection of poetry.
The café is scrumptious. It’s been through its ups and downs with different chefs over the years, but in the last year they’ve really stepped up their game. The salads are great, the coffee menu is large and everything tastes fresh. I recently had the ham and Brie sandwich and was NOT disappointed.

This is a really nice book store. They have a great selection and a nice childrens area as well. They will hold different events for kids, have author signings, and even
Host events and have musicians playing music. There is a café on the top floor and then a children’s clothing boutique called Baby Bundles downstairs. That is separate from Joseph Beth but in the same building.
This just isn’t a bookstore either. They carry a nice selection of gifts such as Lily Pulitzer and Very Bradley and a nice small selection of KY proud items and UK gifts.

I love this bookstore. They have a wonderful kids area to explore books and toys for the littler ones. I love finding a chair and being able to sit and explore a book before purchasing it. They offer story times too if you check the schedule! They also have events for kids thought the month. Books are cool. Reading is fun!

WHOA.
Forget Barnes & Noble.
THIS is where it’s at.
Biggest bookstore I’ve ever seen. And possibly the best one I’ve ever seen.
The entrance is a bit confusing — you enter the doors marked for Jospeh Beth, walk down some kind of hallway past a few artsy stores, encounter a little rack of clearance books, and step into Joseph Beth. But then, whoaaaa — once you step inside Joseph Beth, the place is HUGE: high, arched ceilings topped with a giant skylight with sooooo many different sections of books surrounding an open view of the lower level, accessible by a couple escalators. Forget the rest of Lexington Green Mall, Joseph Beth is all you need (or notice)! Hehe.
The book selection is phenomenal. The display tables always have fascinating books that catch my eye. The magazines — ohh, so many of them! I also love how the cooking/​foods section looks like it’s in a big kitchen area. Scattered among the books are puzzles, games, coffee mugs, gifts, and fun trinkets, usually tied in with whatever book section is near. The store is very spacious, so you never feel cramped or really notice all the other people inside. Plenty of soft couches and chairs invite you to sit down and stay awhile, while flipping through books and sipping on a nice, hot drink from the café. I could spend hours here. Swooooooon.
The best part? Joseph Beth doesn’t just have books — about a third of the main store level is devoted to gifts of different kinds: from Vera Bradley to Life is Good to a variety of goods and trinkets that are local to Kentucky! I was pretty excited to see Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls (sooooo good) available here as well as other Kentucky/​Bourbon/​UK/​local goods and fair-​trade items. Also, when you head downstairs, you’ll encounter a massive children’s book area on one side and a baby clothing store on the other. Go beyond the doors behind the register and check out the fountain, with a fun view of the little lake behind Lexington Green Mall and access to Palmer’s Fresh Grill.
This Joseph Beth location isn’t just a bookstore. It’s an experience.

Joseph Beth is my favorite bookstore. I often went to the one in Cincinnati when I lived there. The Lexington location is very large. I love the wide selection of books, comfy chairs and how many cute gift items there are everywhere. It’s my ideal shopping environment.
Every year, they host a write-​in during November where you can spend the night in the bookstore. I did that this year and it was super cool — kind of a childhood fantasy of mine to spend the night in a bookstore.
I’ve been to the café inside several times and the food is really good. It’s near Palmer’s Fresh Grill, Whole Foods and Comedy Off Broadway, so you could really spend the whole day there.

The best bookstore in Lexington. Wonderful for everyone of all ages. They also have other merchandise, aside from books, such as Vera Bradley purses and lotion.
They used to have events, such as book signings and I believe that they still do. Feed the ducks out back, eat at the café, come to a children’s book reading– spend all day here. During Christmas they have gift wrapping, too.
Their staff is always SUPER helpful– epitome of customer service. If they don’t have it, they will order it and call you.
Support this business!

I fell in love with Joseph-​Beth bookstore 8 years ago when I first came to Lexington for an interview. In other bookstores, I had always felt a bit claustrophobic, with poor artificial lighting and close placement of shelves to another. At JB, I feel like I could enjoy looking through the selection without stepping on someone or having the fear of getting stuck in a dark maze of shelves.
I enjoy bringing my out-​of-​town friends here when they come for a visit and they all seem to like it. As an independently owned bookstore, JB went through some rough times over the last several years but it seems like they managed to survive. They provide a great selection of books and events to Lexington and its surrounding towns.

This is my favorite book store in Lexington. Because I never know what I might buy when I go to a bookstore, I love the fact that this place is huge. I say huge, I mean large and in charge of the mall… the biggest store in the Lexington Green Mall. Very often events are going on there, especially on the weekends. If you’re a local and have never been to JBB, you need to get out more, if you’re visiting the area and books and bookstores are your thing, this place is a must.

My favorite book store ever! And trust me, I’ve been to a lot of book stores. The atmosphere is great, and they always have a huge selection of books! The sale section is also always a great stop because they have reasonably priced sale books, unlike other book stores which say that they have books on sale but the price says otherwise.
I could (and have) spent hours in Joseph Beth’s and it’s always my #1 stop when I’m in Lexington.

A bookstore that anchors a mall. That’s all that needs to be said. Not only does it anchor a mall, it took out the central portion of the mall, gutted it and took it over. Not many bookshops can do that, but Joseph Beth can because it is one of the best bookshops in the US and definitely the best in Kentucky. A definite must-​visit if you find yourself in town.
The store is gorgeous. Huge vaulted ceilings with skylights and huge windows facing out over a lovely pond. The attached café has outdoor seating available in warmer weather. Lots of open space which comes in handy when they have lectures, signings and book club meetings (which they do regularly). Lots of comfortable seating for reading and browsing as well.
They stock an incredible selection of periodicals and magazines from all over the world. I’ve never had problems with special orders, either. They also carry gifts, chocolates and stationary. The staff are friendly and quite knowledgeable; it seems like an M. Lit is a prerequisite for employment some days!
I really can’t say enough good things about the place. I visit every time I come home.