A neighborhood bookstore gives people something an online shopping cart cannot: a place to linger over a recommendation and meet someone who cares about the same stories.

In Silverton, that idea is taking shape at Major Minor Books & Such, an independent shop founded by Amber Walker.

The Black-owned business opened in May and occupies a small building on Montgomery Road, across from Proud Hound Coffee.

Walker, a Roselawn native and Walnut Hills High School graduate, brought experience running book clubs and a background in interior design to the venture.

Inside, comfortable seating and reading nooks invite browsing, while the collection spans children’s titles, classics, manga and works by Black, Indigenous and other authors of color.

The store also carries book-themed gifts, giving visitors options beyond their next read.

A gathering place as well as a shop

Community connections are part of the business model, from a pantry intended to help neighbors meet everyday needs to space where visitors can settle in rather than hurry through.

The shop’s current offerings also include a teen book club signup and a writing workshop, giving readers and aspiring writers ways to participate.

Those programs make the store worth following even for people whose bookshelves are already full.

Plan a visit

Major Minor Books & Such is at 6718 Montgomery Road.

The posted regular hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check the store’s current calendar for workshop dates, reservations and any changes before making a special trip.