For almost 45 years, Blue Marble Books has been inspiring young readers to explore a new realm of literature, fostering a lifelong love of reading. A cornerstone of children’s literature in Fort Thomas, the beloved bookstore recently announced its search for a new owner.
Blue Marble was founded in 1979 by Tina Moore. When the store opened, it was a children’s toy shop. Over time, Moore realized that she wanted to create a bookstore to promote youth literacy, as at this time, children’s bookstores were practically non-existent. As stated on their website, her mission was to “promote youth literacy and a joy for reading.”
“Tina Moore, when she created this place, felt very strongly that it should be a store where every child can come in and find a book with themselves represented in it, so we have worked really hard to continue that tradition,” General Manager Caroline Stine said.
Moore’s dedication led the Blue Marble to become one of the oldest and most famous bookstores in the country– a must-see attraction for any children’s author in Cincinnati. Her husband, Peter Moore, has been in charge of the store since his wife’s passing in 2016.
The decision to sell did not come easily for Moore. The bookstore has been in Fort Thomas for 47 years, making it the 3rd oldest children’s bookstore in the nation.
After running the store by himself for eight years, Moore explains he is simply too tired to keep up with all of the duties that come with running an independent small business: “I realize the store needs somebody with more energy to conduct the operations. Any small business is basically built on some individual’s vision and willingness to go in new directions and explore things.”
Following the sale, Moore looks forward to “a summer in Vermont, eating blueberries.” He plans to continue living in the Fort Thomas area, supporting local businesses. Moore is not sure what the future of the store will look like, but hopes that the new owner will maintain the store’s original values.
Uncertainty about the future of the store has caused concern within the community.
“People have come here for years and years and years, and I think that there is a fear that they will lose something special,” Stine said.
Despite this, the staff looks forward to what the future holds for the store. “We have spent the last five years trying to bring it back to life… it’s going to take a little bit more to get it back to what it was 20 years ago,” Stine said.
Stine hopes that under new management, they will be able to restore the store to its former glory.
No one knows what the future holds for the Blue Marble, but the current management shares one hope: to carry on Tina Moore’s original legacy for the store.
“We’ve done a lot to make this place really special and to make it a safe space, and I think that’s part of what Tina’s mission was… I would be really sad to see that change,” Stine said, “No matter who you are, no matter what age you are, no matter what language you speak, no matter what religion you have, or what your family looks like, we have a book here that will have you in it, and we think that’s really important.”
Even under a new owner, the Blue Marble will remain a safe and welcoming space for all readers, no matter their age, experiences, or interests.
