ABOUT

Visible Voice Books opened its doors in 2007 on Kenilworth Avenue in Tremont and moved to an expanded location on Professor Avenue in 2017. In 2025, the store grew even more when we moved to our current 6,000 sq. ft. home on Lorain Avenue in Ohio City.

The move to our new building, previously occupied by the Lorain Theater, marked the completion of a historic redevelopment effort. The building was redesigned for the bookstore’s exclusive use, while important historical details and architectural fixtures were preserved and incorporated. (Click here to read more!) This expanded and revitalized location allowed us to triple our inventory of new and used books, add a cafe with specialty espresso drinks and food offerings, and offer events from poetry readings to live music on a 150-person capacity stage.

As an independent bookstore, we take pride in being a haven for offbeat ideas; a place to discover art, ideas, authors, and tastes that expand your worldview. Beyond what you’ll find on our shelves, we have over 40,000 used and antiquarian books available for purchase online. We extend this belief to our cafe and event selections – we guarantee that our customers will experience something unique and exciting each time they visit us. 

Our new and improved cafe is an extension of the inimitable experience that Visible Voice Books has offered our community over the past decade: cool, curious, and creative. Our kitchen is focused on sandwiches, snacks, and surprises, as well as a specialty coffee menu for daytime productivity and a considered wine, cocktail, and bottled beverages menu for evening fun. It’s both a hidden haven to escape with a latte and a good book and a community hub to collect, conspire, and collaborate.

In addition to books and cafe offerings, we stock a variety of handmade gifts including journals, greeting cards, tote bags, mugs, and more. We also offer event space rental for anything from book clubs to business meetings to private parties. 

Visible Voice is one part of “The Highlands,” a duo of buildings that houses 5 different independent businesses in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood. Our next door neighbors at 4517 Lorain Ave. include Guitar Riot, The Guitar Conservatory, Jay Pawar Guitars, and Free Hearts Yoga Studio. There’s so much to see and experience just within The Highlands, and even more happening throughout our dynamic Lorain Ave. neighborhood. Limited parking spots are available in the lot adjacent to our building. Additional parking is available at Urban Community School (4909 Lorain Ave.) and on the street.