Most Unique Book Store
By kim v, 01/29/08
Trans-Allegheny Bookstore in Parkersburg is well worth visiting--even if you don't like to read and have no intention of purchasing a book. The used bookstore is located in the former Carnegie Library. The building was constructed in 1905 and is listed on the National Historic Register. Glass floors (yes, that's right, floors made of glass), stained glass windows, a spiral iron staircase with brass railings and carved marble mantelpieces are just some of the lovely architectural features.
In addition to the largest selection of used books in West Virginia (and a nice selection of new books of regional interest), the bookstore boasts two cats (Page, a female ginger long haired cat and Jacket--also known as DJ for Dust Jacket--a friendly female tortie) in residence. Find a good book and settle down on the comfy couch and cuddle a cat! Page tends to hang out on the couch, but Jacket is friendly and will follow you around the store if you pet her.
Did you know it's very traditional for bookstores to have cats? Keeps the book-nibbling mice from ruining the books! It think it's wonderful that this bookstore keeps up the old tradition. In addition to the books, wonderful architectural features and cats, the Trans-Allegheny Bookstore has the reputation of being the most haunted location in Parkersburg. Supposedly it has at least three or four ghosts.
