Inside Visible Voice Books’ New Ohio City Bookstore and Live Music Venue

When Visible Voice Books moved from its original home in Tremont to a larger space on Lorain Avenue in Ohio City late last year, the nearly 20-year-old bookstore opened the door to new opportunities in a location full of Cleveland history. 

Today, Visible Voice sits in a 6,000-square-foot brick building, built in the 1890s, that was once the home of the Lorain Palace Theatre. The store still offers a wide selection of new and used books, but it now hosts live music to complement book browsing. 

Step beyond the cafe and bookshelves to find a stage and tiered rows of benches for audience seating. Though seemingly intentional, the 150-person performance space was actually a happy accident. Owner Dave Ferrante originally intended to use the space next door, now occupied by Guitar Riot, until he encountered the old theater.

“It was like it was meant to be,” Ferrante says. 

Ferrante and his team executed an extensive renovation of the building, working to maintain the historic elements such as artwork and murals while also retrofitting the space for enough retail shelving to triple its inventory and a cafe offering sandwiches, snacks, coffee and cocktails. 

Initially, Ferrante planned out the space’s new cafe and book areas before focusing attention on programming music and other events like poetry readings and author engagements, to fully “release the potential of the stage.”

So far, it’s hosted book clubs, jazz performers, a Grateful Dead cover band and even a lecture by Tibetan monks.

READ MORE: Shop Cleveland's Best Independent Bookstores for Your Next Read

Since opening in November, the booklovers’ paradise has drawn Northeast Ohioans and out-of-towners to the Ohio City shop. Ferrante hopes it can also drive foot traffic to the surrounding neighborhood. 

“I see people coming in here and they’re proud. They feel like they’re a part of something,” Ferrante says. “I’m investing in the city because I want to help make it better in my own small way. This is our city, and it’s a part of us.”

For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.

Cleveland Magazine is also available in print with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.