A unique business has been brewing in Sandusky. Opened in 2023, the venue is a one stop shop for everything from flowers, baked goods, coffee, cocktails, and oh! Books! Sandusky Book Bar is a one in a million find in town, housed in the former YMCA building on Perkins Avenue. As one would gather from the name, the business is centered around selling used books. I had the chance to snag a few minutes with Janie Ahner, the savvy businesswoman who had a dream and brought it to reality.
Janie did not walk into this property with it ready to open doors to customers. She was involved in every step of the way to painstakingly gut, demo, remodel and paint to breathe fresh life into space. One painting session went past 12 hours, leaving her to spend the night in the unfinished main room. According to her, that is one night she won’t soon forget! The sweat, tears, and caffeination that she put in produced desired results as the atmosphere and aesthetic of the Book Bar are truly distinctive. “Pipe dreams are real,” Janie expressed and smiled as she shared the memory.
Walking in, the space opens to warm lighting, large windows, and spread-out seating. This allows you some quiet personal space or a couch where a lively game of Uno can ensue. There is a flower case where local flowers can be purchased from Petal Pushers by Mandy, and several shelves of books. The books are neatly divided into labeled sections – no thrift store search-it-all mission! Books in good or gently used condition are accepted at the Book Bar if you have some spring de-cluttering to do. Janie explains, “the collection comes from both donation and me spending hours in resale shops, bargain bins, and at garage sales.”
The bar runs square around the service area, with a patio for sunny days opening to the left. Each part of the Book Bar is cozy and inviting, leaving the hardest choice to be choosing where to plop down. Another challenge one may face is deciding on menu items. Hand crafted cocktails and coffee are only the beginning of the offerings, the spread includes cheeseboards, bagels, and even a daily selection of gluten free bakery items.
The Sandusky Book Bar features regularly scheduled events such as bingo and trivia. Specialty events show up on 
their calendar as well! Seasonal markets and book signings included. “One thing I would like the community to know is how much I aim to stay local when planning events, that it is so important to me even if it takes more time,” says Ahner. When creating an itinerary for an event, Janie strives to pull in local artisans, craft classes, or trades.
For example, she feels showcasing local artists or authors can benefit the community more than selecting other resources. “If you came to check out a local author book signing or purchase flowers here, the community and business grow together. And then we want everyone to come back again to explore, soon!” Making local connections and finding new regional assets is one thing that helps drive Janie’s inspiration with her venture.
The feeling at Sandusky Book Bar works for a date night, girls’ night out, catching up with an old friend, or just some solo down time. This offers residents and visitors great entertainment. Don’t pass up a chance to stop in, this will be your new go-to spot! Want to hear more? Head over to The SHORE Line Podcast to check out episode #11 from season two with our very own Jill Bauer as she chats more in depth with Janie!
