SARAH MOTLEY, Special to the Denisonian —

Readers’ Garden Provides an Oasis to Granville and Denison Students

Illuminated by three shades of cheerful, green paint and walls flowered with delightfully hand painted sunflowers, mushrooms, and butterflies, the Readers’ Garden Bookstore stands as a home to lovers of literature and unique gifts, leaving customers charmed by the magical ambience, and a range of books that covers all genres of both new and used titles. Readers’ Garden has existed for 21 years in Granville, but they only recently moved to their current location at 115 N Prospect St. Kim Keethler Ball has been the dedicated owner of the shop for over three years, and during her tenure as owner she oversaw the store’s location change from their Broadway storefront six months ago. Ball attributed the success of the move to the extensive community effort and thoughtful attention to detail from everyone involved. 

The hard work has paid off. As Lucy Morris ‘26 notes, “Granville is already cozy and quaint, so you have that feeling when you’re walking through town. But then, the bookstore offers even more of that environment.” 

As to the range of books the store carries, there is truly something for everyone. Ball noted that the store carries a limited amount of romance and mass market books, which creates the space for a more elevated collection of literature. Whether you’re looking for Russian literature or books on religion and philosophy, Readers’ Garden serves as a wonderful resource for students who are looking to be thoughtfully engaged by what they’re reading. Ball has thoughtfully composed both the new and used book selections, sourcing some materials from Denison professors who have downsized. Ball has even collaborated with a Denison student in the past to ensure an intentional compilation of literary work. The result is a space lined with bookshelves brimming with unique and inclusive literature, carrying books on feminism, LGBTQ+ stories, and African American stories. 

Ball sees the pros in having a small space to work with, as she is able to maintain a curated collection. Because of this, Ball knows her products well. “Sometimes people have a subject they like or a style that they like, and I can point them to the right section.” 

The Readers’ Garden community looks forward to the new opportunities that arise in the post-COVID years and the ability to reconnect with the greater Denison community again. Having students back in the shop on a regular basis has been an exciting development for Ball, “We’re just all getting to know each other again, which is really fun and lovely.  The best part about being in a college town is to mix town and gown.” Having such strong connections to Denison has allowed the Readers’ Gardento to be able to carry books written by Denison professors or that relate to the Beck and Vail series. 

The town of Granville is home to many great establishments, and the Readers’ Garden Bookstore certainly stands out among them. Ball hopes you might find your next book or moment of peace within her store. “Just coming in to look is fine. And if you find your treasure, even better.”