Classiest reading spot in the city? « Columbus Underground Messageboard

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Classiest reading spot in the city?

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Started 1 year ago by awra2001
Latest reply from Stacky

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awra2001
Westgate
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Hi all,

I promised for a date on Thursday that we would just go some place and read for awhile. This may seem like a cop-out date, but she's said to me a few times how she'd like to just read for awhile, as it seems you never have time to do that.

Anyway, while there's all sorts of shops, shoppes, and stores to enjoy for your run-of-the-mill foray into the written word, I was curious to find out where you all think the classiest reading spot is in Columbus? A place where you feel like you're in the lap of luxury, enjoying a well orchestrated interior/exterior, with maybe some sundries to eat or drink.

I thank you for your opinions in advance.

Posted 1 year ago #
chaptal
West Side
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11th floor of the Thompson Library.
The benches outside of the Book Nook.
Frank Fetch Park in GV.
Mojoe Lounge on the cap.

Posted 1 year ago #
RoJoNo
UA
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Orton Memorial Library of Geology

Posted 1 year ago #
jackoh
The Village
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In bed!

Posted 1 year ago #
Tenzo
Chicago Lakeshore
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In the new audubon center there is a room overlooking the rest of the park with 30 foot glass windows. They have books and binocs. If it turns out to be closed then either on top of the red water tower, or, even better, climb to the top of the climbing wall. (you can get up to the top with only minor climbing on the north end.)

By the lily pond in Gooddale park.

The Zen garden in the conservatory (or the wedding garden if it's closed).

OK, it's not classy, but I think it's romantic. Classy is way over rated though. Anyone can do classy. I'd rather have fun on a date.

Posted 1 year ago #
ChrisSunami
King-Lincoln District
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My favorite spot to read used to be the second floor of the old Main Library back before they renovated. I'm not 100% sure they still have seating up there (it's now the administrative area), but if they do it would be a great place to read --no one ever goes up there, they have art hanging on the walls, and it's close to one of the biggest collection of books in the city, which has got to be a plus for a bibliophile.

The museum courtyard would also be nice if it is open, and they have a cafe next door.

The absolutely classiest place in the city I can think of to read would be the Garden Manor B&B (inside, outside or in the guesthouse library), but you'd have to clear it with the owners first. Maybe they'd let you do it in exchange for a write-up afterward.

Other than that, I'm not sure jackoh's suggestion can be improved upon! ;)

Posted 1 year ago #
anillo
Marzipan City
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jackoh wrote >>
In bed!

That's the third date ;)

Posted 1 year ago #
LostinTranslation

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The Topiary Garden

Posted 1 year ago #
HeySquare
German Village
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Outside, I think that Frank Fetch park is a good choice. You could also try the Chadwick Arboretum (south of the Schottenstein Center) it's really beautiful there. I think the Topiary park behind the library would be nice as well... with a blanket and a basket of drinks and snacks, that could be really romantic. Griggs Dam might be cool too... there's places to sit and watch the river & maybe some rowers will be out on the water... adds some atmosphere.

I've never been there, but what about someplace like the Thurber bar in the Westin? Possibly the patio at the Hyatt downtown? Or maybe Barrio when it isn't crowded... they have lovely drinks.

Inside, I think the Audubon center is a great idea... I haven't been inside, but the outside is really beautiful. The Mo Joe in German Village is usually pretty quiet, and if you score the plush chairs, is as good as it gets. Bexley library is really nice.

Posted 1 year ago #
jmak
Gahanna
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Not here:

Posted 1 year ago #
catnfiddle
Giant Corncob District
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jmak wrote >>
Not here:

The Bubba Jim Society of Letters is NOT in session?

Posted 1 year ago #
jmak
Gahanna
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catnfiddle wrote >>

jmak wrote >>
Not here:

The Bubba Jim Society of Letters is NOT in session?

Only if the letters are "F" and "U". ;)

Posted 1 year ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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awra2001 wrote >>
I was curious to find out where you all think the classiest reading spot is in Columbus?

Pack a picnic basket and hit North Bank Park.

Posted 1 year ago #
colrex7
Ohio
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Schiller Park, near the pond.
Was reading there this past weekend. It was fantastic.

Posted 1 year ago #
HeySquare
German Village
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colrex7 wrote >>
Schiller Park, near the pond.
Was reading there this past weekend. It was fantastic.

Sorry I ate your sammich.
Love,
HeySquare's Dog

Posted 1 year ago #
10sun
Columbus, OH
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Tenzo wrote >>
In the new Audubon center there is a room overlooking the rest of the park with 30 foot glass windows. They have books and binocs. If it turns out to be closed then either on top of the red water tower, or, even better, climb to the top of the climbing wall. (you can get up to the top with only minor climbing on the north end.)
By the lily pond in Gooddale park.
The Zen garden in the conservatory (or the wedding garden if it's closed).
OK, it's not classy, but I think it's romantic. Classy is way over rated though. Anyone can do classy. I'd rather have fun on a date.

This.

Also, the back deck of the Audubon center has some nice chairs to sit and read in the shade.

Bring a picnic with you and you are all set.

Posted 1 year ago #
joev
Merion Village
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What about the Columbus Athletic Club? If you can get in, and get away from the stuffy, rich old people, it's got that "classy reading spot" vibe.

Posted 1 year ago #
roy
Downtown
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The Supreme Court Law Library reading room is very excellent. Free and open to the public, the reading room has art and WPA era murals original to the building. They have a fantastic collection of daily newspapers and periodicals too.

Posted 1 year ago #
unejoliefille

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I second the top floor of the Thompson Library. It boasts great views of the city, classy decor (Persian rugs and leather sofas and all that), and air conditioning! The first floor has a great selection of periodicals and journals that you can borrow for a few hours. Being summertime, the whole library is pretty calm, so this is a good time to visit.

Posted 1 year ago #
unejoliefille

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I also like reading in churches on weekdays. They're usually dark, quiet, and beautiful. You might have to ask permission, but I've never ran into any opposition. I really liked reading in the chapel of St. Charles Prep when my brother went to school there.

Posted 1 year ago #