Our Story

Cover to Cover bookstore was first opened in 1980 by teacher Sally Oddi. Her store in Clintonville earned a reputation as the place to go for children, parents and teachers for classic children's literature and the best of what's new. As the store grew, she was able to accommodate additional teachers' resources and make room for the expanding Young Adult category. She got know many of the customers personally, and was excited to show them new books that fit their interests. 

Sally's philosophy on encouraging a love of reading in children is "a love of reading comes from reading a lot, letting them see the variety that’s out there, and watching you read and seeing the value you place on reading."

In 2017, Sally retired and sold Cover to Cover to Melia Wolf, a former art teacher. The old Clintonville location was converted to a workout facility. The new Cover to Cover opened January 2018 at 2116 Arlington Avenue in Columbus. Sally worked closely with Melia throughout.

“We hope to serve the community in the same way. I am so grateful for the time I’ve spent with Sally. She’s been very nurturing. I’m thankful she respected me enough to allow me to do this. These are big shoes to step into.”, Melia told Business First Columbus.

"I have great memories of taking my sons to storytime and author visits in Clintonville. We would spend hours in the store reading. I'd like to keep that opportunity alive for other families.", she said.



Media

"14 independent bookstores you can support in the Columbus area" by Erika Thompson, Columbus Dispatch (October 6, 2021)

"Upper Arlington bookstore event spotlights canine heroics" by Nate Ellis, ThisWeek Group/Columbus Dispatch (July 22, 2021)

"9 Children’s Books Recommended By Children’s Bookstores For Fall 2020" by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Forbes (September 14, 2020)

"Upper Arlington hands out annual Community Awards" by Nate Ellis, ThisWeek Group/Columbus Dispatch (February 4, 2020)

"Take a look inside the relocated Cover to Cover (photos)" by Dan Eaton, Columbus Business First (January 26, 2018)

"A New Chapter Begins for Cover to Cover" By Julie Moran Alterio, American Bookseller Association (December 04, 2017)

"The Next Wave of Children's Bookstores: Part One" By Judith Rosen, Publisher's Weekly (December 12, 2017)