Massive mega-space for books, a terrific restaurant, the Bronte (after the writers? Likely!) and lots of gift shop items of local interest. It feels like being in MACY's or some such store, only its focus is on books and the arts. The emphasis is on new, modern books vs used and classics, but they have a huge selection in many categories and even a massive magazine section. An absolutely lovely bookstore. read more

The bi-annual VIP event was held last night. Instead of the usual strolling wait staff with trays of bites, there was a buffet of food inside Bronte's Bistro in front of a roaring fire A nice array of selections. The quiche was especially good as well as the shrimp tacos. The cookies were, oh my, delicious. A small musical combo played soft music. Lots of sales and specials on books. A very nice event. 57 read more

Joseph-Beth Booksellers - Bookstores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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I was here for a recent three-day author event. They did an amazing job! They have lots of spaces for large and small meetings/presentations, and their full-service restaurant catered two wonderful evening receptions. The store itself is very-well organized, with many comfy seats for reading and socializing, including a lovely fireplace area. Their lower level houses their huge children's section, and I could have spent all day there. Associates were friendly and helpful, and they had a lot of fun, kitschy, book-related things, too. read more

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Found all the cute Valentine's Day finds on a recent trip! JB is always one of my favorite places to find fun gifts, and the staff is always super helpful. Virginia and Taylor were great at helping me put together some baskets of fun goodies! read more

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With the vastness of a large chain bookstore but the coziness of small shop, this is definitely getting added to my list of favorite book stores in the area. Walking in you are surrounded by the expansive selection of books. Two floors, both were packed with the lower level targeted for children and the upper spanning all genres, magazines, and much more, they even had a nice little stationary and gift section. The sales and discounted books were well worth it, offering great bargains on fantastic titles. One of my favorite sections though was no doubt the cookbook section. First off it was massive, incredibly well curated, included anything I could think of, and best of all it was set up like a kitchen. Absolutely incredible. While I didn't get to take advantage of it this time there was also what appeared to be a full on restaurant/cafe with plenty of seating available, along with a cozy little fireplace with some couches available to sit and relax. Would definitely recommend and will absolutely be returning. read more

I'll just say this.... extremely disappointing!!!!!! Also... never going back. I should've believed the reviews. read more

Fabulous designed store! Wonderful book store! Books are artfully displayed. Unique gifts and curios. The store also has an upscale clothing boutique and restaurant with water views. Not to mention an entire lower level of children's books and creatives toys! I've been going there for about 20 years and I absolutely love it!! read more

I have spent many hours in this bookstore for over 15 years. It is such a friendly and enjoyable place to peruse books. Our family comes after church and usually spends at least an hour with everyone finding their interests and selections, and making wish lists for birthdays and holiday gifts. The restaurant has good food and the gifts are unique. Received wonderful ideas for gifts for children . The setup is inviting. Don't live real close but I keep coming back as do other family members. read more

I always like to visit independent bookstores when I travel and I was so excited to find this beautiful space! Their selection is wonderful and inclusive, especially their children's books. I had to hold back from buying more! Can't wait to return next time I'm in town! read more

Great selection of books , magazines , etc. staff is vey friendly and helpful. I love when they have authors come to do autographs. So Glad they had Anne Rice and her son there . I still treasure the picture and autograph. Glad to get to meet her in person. Prices are reasonable. I do recommend this store read more

Loved the set up and unique gifts and large book selection. Was so glad I went! I ate at the Bisttro and was pleasantly surprised by the selection and good food! Lovely outdoor patio as well. Staff were all so accommodating and kind. Definitely recommend. read more

I think the lady walking around the store was rude. She was walking up to customers saying, "the doors will be locking in less than 5 minutes." And as I was leaving I heard her and other workers talking about l locking the doors. This younger generation will never make it when it comes to good customer service. This was at the location in Lexington, Kentucky at Lexington Green shopping center. I put my books back that I was going to purchase and left. I won't be back! read more

Beautiful location! Their Cincy store is our go-to but this was a very fun stop for us. We had a lot of fun browsing (and purchasing from) the kids section read more

I have traveled all over this great country of ours, and Joseph-Beth is the nicest bookstore I've ever visited. In addition to the incredible collection of reads, you'll find stationary supplies, which I appreciate because I still write notes and letters. I also totally get into gift giving, and their wide assemblage of wrapping paper and gift bags will make any present a work of art! There are so many things for kids, and puzzles, and games. If you're looking for bath and body items, you're in luck. Need a scarf, socks, or a handbag? Check. And I think they must carry every magazine in publication! There are several Kentucky-oriented displays dotted around the store showcasing food items, home decor, books, etc. Truth be told, all of their displays are beautiful and creative, like the vintage Vespa scooter. Zoom zoom! I just popped in for a couple of cookbooks, but I look forward to spending many hours exploring this Lexington gem. read more

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The nicest book store in Lexington! While it is so easy to buy books online I love to browse Joseph Beth. Located in Lexington Green, there is always plenty of parking available. All of the books are nicely displayed and organized efficiently. As a kid I remember being mesmerized riding up and down the escalators looking around at all the books and now as an adult, that has not changed! I'm addition to books, Joseph Beth has a great assortment of items that make great gifts. It is also home to Brontë Bistro, a cafe. Joseph Beth had a book for every and all readers! It is a great place to shop. read more

I haven't been here since spring or so, but Joseph-Beth needs to erase "Booksellers" from its name. Where are the BOOKS?Where are the MAGAZINES? There's NOTHING here. Not everyone reads digital books and magazines. Most of what's here is in the overpriced gift category. I'm so disappointed. I wasted my time coming here for a particular magazine; there's hardly any magazines at all now. Of the books in the romance section, most of the books look like they're from indie publishers. Where are the books from Avon and some of the other well known publishers? Where are the books by the top authors? I'm familiar with books and authors from numerous genres, and they're non-existent here. I was here on a Saturday night, and hardly any other customers were here (small wonder). What's more, there were very few employees here as well. They're--gone. One employee was running a sweeper in the magazine aisle where the benches are located, precisely where I was standing. I've never seen anyone run a sweeper here during business hours in all the years I've been going to Joseph-Beth. Not only was that an annoying intrusion while I was looking for what I wanted, but he was completely oblivious to my presence, allowing the cord to be where I was walking and shopping. It would've been very easy to trip. Something very bad has happened to this store. This was always a great place to look for books and magazines, but it's absolutely a failure now. Joseph-Beth always had the best book signings, too, but I can't imagine that's the case now. It was like a ghost town inside. The things sold here now are high-priced, non-book items that are far too expensive. I wonder if the Joseph-Beth in Cincinnati is the same. This was by far the worst so-called "book store" I've ever seen. I can no longer recommend Joseph-Beth to anyone. This store needs to remove "Booksellers" from its name read more

This place is so freaking Cool. From the time you walk in the door you are surrounded by books and gift's galore. Plus the place is gorgeous inside. Very nice gift selection, great book selection and a really cool kid level. This is a moat go to place. You'll love it. read more

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Stopped by this store while I was in Lexington. It's very nice open interior, they offer more than just books, there was a small boutique, lounge chairs and a assortment of items like soaps and candy and so much more. They had a great selection of books and everything was easy to find and associates were available for assistance. read more

I love book stores!!! I am amazed that this one with various owners has been able to survive as an independent in this large of a space! When you can order your book off of a tablet or get the book delivered to house... this is a place where you can still look at a book spine and decide if it is of interest to you!! Also you can get real people review with the employees. I love that you can look over the pond. I have never tried the café, but I have put that on my list of things to do! I will always be a patron here! read more

It's always a pleasure coming to Joseph-Beth in Lexington. This place is a palace and a reminder of what bookstores stores should be and rarely are. read more

Such a cool book store! I visited from St Louis and didn't expect it to be like a Barnes and Noble. It was really neat in there! read more

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There are so many wonderful books!!! It's a book-lovers' paradise! The service is amazing and so nice!! There are many different sections and it's all very organized! There are two stories which is beyond amazing! Make sure to stop here when in Lexington, Kentucky!!! read more

Lexingtonians, you are blessed. THIS is a bookstore. Two stories, restaurant ("Bronte Bistro"), patio with views, and a great membership program (great discounts!). I was FLOORED by this bookstore. It had EVERYTHING. Well-stocked, great customer service. Many cities have seen their bookstore (and especially their independent bookstores) close one by one (Nashville, where I live, has a few very small independent bookstores, but nothing that compares to Joseph-Beth's full-service-carries-everything amazingness). Lexington is lucky to have such a great, large, well-stocked independent bookstore! If I lived in Lexington, I'd be here a couple times a month and wouldn't buy books from Amazon ever again. read more

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I always enjoy the eating experience at this restaurant. The have a great selection of main courses and salads. Well complemented by the bar. Service is always great. Enjoy. read more

I love bookstores. It saddens me to think that bookstores are dying. So when a visiting family member wants to go to a bookstore, I take them to Jo Beth. It was at Jo Beth (many, many, many years ago) that I met one of my favorite authors, Christopher Moore. I can always find something I want here and it is a great place to find gifts for friends and family. Keep reading, Lexington! read more

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I absolutely love Joesph Beth book sellers. One of the most amazing looking locations. The food inside the restaurant is always amazing and the staff then selves are amazing always smiling and ready to help. read more

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 cafe. 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. read more

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Joseph-Beth is one of the most extravagant book stores that I've ever seen. It had two floors, a cafe, and even a few retail sections. This store takes up a majority of this mall, and leads to a beautiful outdoor patio with a pond and hotel. I think we spent a good 45 minutes in here just trying to go through everything - it was definitely an adventure! We also saw a yoga class going on on the second floor, which was pretty cool. read more

its not bad. its got some pretty cool kid stuff. id say the only real downside is the restaurant. the foods good but the prices are ridiculous for what you're getting. all in all decent. just expensive. read more

This is a beautiful bookstore, but "Oh my goodness!" They are pricy! I don't often shop at bookstores that don't sell used books. It's either used bookstores or Amazon for me. This is probably comparable to a Barnes and Noble as far as pricing goes. It's a gorgeous store though, and they have a lot of cute home decor items as well. I would definitely come back, but I won't be making big purchases here. read more

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Such a cool bookstore! I loved the kids section & the bargain center! The cafe looked yummy but we didn't try it.

If I can give zero stars I would. I will never return nor recommend . Racist business. My family has never felt so uncomfortable in a bookstore. All the coworkers stared and followed us throughout the store. Yes we were the only non-white family in there and yes, we are mixed race. The workers followed us into every aisle and watched us as though we were stealing. I don't care if other ignorant customers stare at us but the workers of a business? No thank you. They could have been subtle at least so that my children didn't feel UN-welcome. This is wrong. Joseph-Beth Bookstores is a business that does not welcome minorities. This is RACISM. read more

I've always loved Joseph Beth. There is a huge book selection and many unique gift items to choose from as well. It's a great shopping destination. Today, however, my opinion improved even more. I work for an Alzheimer's Memory Care Community and we brought 4 of our residents in for an outing. The staff was beyond kind, hospitable and understanding. It truly warmed my heart. read more

Awesome bookstore with great selection, knowledgeable staff, and lots of gift options. They also seem to have some great events throughout the week- someone told us they do kids open mic night. They also had a huge bargain book area with great sale prices. I wasn't sure what to expect since this place is in a mall but it exceeded my expectations. They also have a really nice patio overlooking a huge pond outside and a bar/cafe within the store. I would recommend checking this place out. read more

What a great oasis of calm in a busy world. I wish all bookstores were like JBB, it's basically a palace for books, complete with moat (well, pond!). I go for author events, they get really big names for such a relatively small city. Patrick Rothfuss only made 12 stops on his novella tour and this was one! Now I have a toddler, I hope to make it to one of their story times. The children's section is amazing! read more

Bookstores are increasingly becoming a thing of the past. So a store like this is even more of a treat as time goes on. Joseph Beth has a great selection and is a really great place to browse. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. And their Rewards program is pretty great too. In store signings are also terrific. This is a great store. read more

I have always loved going to Joseph-Beth. Growing up I loved their children's book area, which is still so fun! I love the wide variety books and fun decor they have. All of the employees have always been so helpful and friendly- especially with COVID - I can tell the employees try their best to clean up promptly after guests arrive. read more

First time I'd been here in a good while. I was on a mission and looking for a couple books in particular. I really didn't know much about this book store and I had no clue where to even start. When you walk in to the right is an information desk. I went straight there and told the guy the name of the books I was looking for one book they didn't have in paperback but the other they did. He went to a couple locations to find it (bargain shelves). No go but he took us back to the "suspense" section where the book was located. Staff was very helpful in finding exactly what I needed. read more

I could spend HOURS wandering the nooks and crannies of this place. Try to always go, if only for a quick browse, every time I'm visiting the Lexington area... We need one here in the Dayton area!! Great meeting place, good coffee and desserts at the cafe, and very helpful staff. Yes, I'd agree w/ other reviewers that their CDs and DVDs are overpriced, but great selection!! read more

The cafe is delicious. The book selection is amazing. I look forward to returning when I have even more time to browse.