Our Story
Your neighborhood escape for books, gifts, and cozy reading nooks!
Building a Dream
Storyline Bookshop opened in July 2024, but the dream behind it had been years in the making.
Our founder, Janine Sickmeyer, has always been a devoted reader and lifelong storyteller. Before opening Storyline, Janine started her career in tech. She founded a legal software company and sold it within six years. Along the way, she became an investor and advocate for women and underrepresented founders through her work with Overlooked Ventures, a venture fund she founded to back overlooked entrepreneurs.
After years of growing businesses and backing bold ideas, Janine returned to her first love: books. She envisioned a neighborhood bookshop that could also be a gathering place. When the right space opened up just blocks from her home, she brought that vision to life.
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From day one, Janine knew she needed someone who not only understood the book industry but also shared her passion for connecting with readers. That’s why she brought on Annie Kovalesky as General Manager. With 15 years of experience in bookselling.
Annie brings a deep well of knowledge—and just as importantly, an infectious enthusiasm for books, conversations about books, and building community. When she’s not at the shop, you can find her coaching volleyball at Upper Arlington High School, cheering on her team with the same energy she brings to Storyline every day.
Storyline was built with heart, and it continues to grow because of the community around it.
Our team
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Our Purpose
At Storyline, we’re passionate about books and the role they play in people’s lives—from early literacy to lifelong reading habits. Our mission is to create a space where stories connect us: to each other, to ourselves, and to the wider world.We support readers from the very beginning, working with schools, libraries, and literacy organizations to promote access to books for all ages. And we also create space for deeper connection through author events, book clubs, storytimes, community gatherings, and local partnerships.Reading may be a solo act—but we believe stories are meant to be shared.
Our Community
As a neighborhood bookstore, community is at the center
of everything we do.
We’re proud to collaborate with local partners like Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Upper Arlington Public Library, as well as small businesses and organizations that share our values—like Barre3, Lineage Dance Co., Littleton’s Market, Rooted Realm, and Happy Babe Yoga. These partnerships help us reach more readers and bring books into new and unexpected spaces.
We’re also actively involved in supporting local schools and city-wide programs. Through sponsorships and donations, we support various organizations, including the Upper Arlington Civic Association, UA Rotary, Upper Arlington School PTOs and Sports, the Beehive Alliance, and The Ohio State University. Every one of these efforts helps us give back to the community that has welcomed us so warmly.
We’re constantly looking for meaningful ways to partner with organizations like the Upper Arlington Community Foundation and Experience Columbus, because we know we’re stronger when we work together.
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Our Partners
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We Sponsor
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