A lifelong Columbus resident, Hanif Abdurraqib’s work is inspired by his love for his hometown. He’s the author of multiple books and poetry collections, with There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension recognized by The New York Times as one of the most notable books of 2024. Abdurraqib’s talents are recognized internationally: he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2021, the Windham Campbell Prize for 2024 Nonfiction and the 2024 Voice of the Heartland award.
Columbus author and poet, Hanif Abdurraqib. Photo by Kendra Bryant.
What inspires you and your writing?
So much of my writing centers on place and the ever-changing nature of this area that I’m from and I love. It works as a tool of archiving. I’m building a series of memories that people can reach back and hold onto.
Are there any spots in Columbus that inspire you currently or in your past?
I grew up going to The King Arts Complex. I could go there to make art, or I could watch art be made. More importantly, I got to bear witness to a lot of Black artist legends, like Tony West.
What are your favorite spots in the city?
I love Upper Cup Coffee where I live. I walk in there and everybody I want to see is in there. I have Columbus Crew season tickets every year, even when I can’t go to the games.
What’s next for you?
A poetry collection will be out in 2026. Next year, I’m on the road less, so I can really buckle down and work on it. I write really well at home, specifically in the spring in Columbus.
Keep reading for more literary exploration in Columbus.
Source: Storyline Bookshop
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES IN COLUMBUS
Book lovers will find their fill of stories at Columbus’ independent bookstores. Visit Prologue Bookshop’s vast selection in the Short North Arts District and enjoy Gramercy Books’ monthly book talks. Explore the woman-owned Storyline Bookshop, then get lost in The Book Loft’s 32 rooms and massive collection. Check out the bookstore/performance space at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters, search for new and rare titles at Clintonville Books, collect lightly used books from Karen Wickliff – Books, find books on Black culture at Zawadi Books and get classics for the kiddos at Cover to Cover. Learn more about Columbus' Independent Bookstores.
Columbus Book Festival. Source: Columbus Metropolitan Library.
LITERARY EVENTS IN COLUMBUS
Check out literary events year-round.
Don’t miss the third annual Columbus Book Festival on July 12–13 for author talks, book signings and more.
Over 100 local authors and illustrators gather at the Columbus Metropolitan Library for the Ohioana Book Festival on May 3.
For 84 years, major writers from Ohio have earned prestigious literary prizes in six categories during the Ohio Book Awards held every fall.
It’s all about comics and animation at Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, where passionate cartoon artists and fans come together every September.
This article originally appeared in the 2025 Columbus Visitor Guide. Order your free copy here.
