When it comes to memorable literary moments, one of my favorites was hearing “The Raven” read aloud on television by Vincent Price. His voice, dark and mesmerizing, brought the poem to life in a way that has stayed with me for decades. So, you can imagine my delight when, while browsing online, I discovered a bookstore named NeverMore Used Books—a place that clearly honors Poe’s masterpiece as much as I do. On a recent vacation, I decided a jaunt to visit NeverMore was not only possible, but necessary.
Over the years, I’ve often traveled in the direction of the Toledo Metroparks with my dogs, but on this particular day, my journey proved trickier than anticipated. Ohio, it seems, has a penchant for road construction, and my planned route required patience and flexibility. Yet, serendipity intervened: I paused along the banks of the Maumee River, where I took a moment to relax and read, glancing only occasionally to watch a bald eagle soar majestically overhead. It was a serene and restorative interlude on a glorious day.
Eventually, I returned to my car and made my way to the bookstore. Parking out back, I approached the long brick building, and my heart lifted at the sight of the sign confirming I was in the right place. Stepping through the doors, I immediately smiled—there, perched as if to greet me, was the Raven who quoth, “Nevermore.”
NeverMore Used Books is a treasure trove, a cozy haven of secondhand volumes arranged in an informal, inviting atmosphere. Carts of bargain books, many priced at just fifty cents, were scattered throughout the hallways, calling out to any bookworm with a thirst for discovery. I quickly selected three books, but my adventure had only begun.
The clerk, warm and welcoming, stepped away from her workstation to guide me past a library table adorned with a vintage suitcase and hat, leading me to the antique book section I had requested. This room, though small, held a carefully curated collection of well-priced treasures—a perfect spot for lingering and browsing at leisure.
I ignored the familiar musty scent of secondhand books, so beloved by those of us who frequent used bookstores, and continued my hunt through every nook and cranny. My patience was rewarded when I uncovered an 1876 copy of Helen’s Babies published by Loring, a selection of works by Ivan Turgenev, and a well-loved edition of John Dietrich and Other Tales of Germany. Each book felt like a small portal to another world, a tangible connection to the past.
After spending a fair amount of time exploring the three rooms of the store, I returned to the first room, where green chairs beckoned for a pause. Walking down the opposite aisle, I found the poetry section and, after careful deliberation, chose The Viking Book of Poetry, a collection that promised both adventure and reflection.
Of course, I could not leave NeverMore without a nod to Poe. Among the shelves, I found and purchased the graphic novel Poe by Boom Studios, a modern yet faithful homage to the literary genius whose work had inspired the very name of the store.
At the checkout, I had a brief conversation with the clerk about the sad truth that many people today fail to recognize the brilliance of Edgar Allan Poe. This store, with its dedication to preserving literary history, is a sanctuary for those of us who still do. NeverMore Used Books is more than a bookstore—it is a celebration of stories, of history, and of the enduring magic of words.
Nevermore Used Books was at 302 Conant Street Maumee, OH 43537 when I visited and new location is 2628 W Central Ave Toledo, OH 43606