Megan Turner believes "there's a right book out there for everyone" — she's soon opening a local bookstore to help people find it.

Why it matters: Rooted Books joins a growing number of Black-owned bookstores nationwide.

• These stores are increasing representation and expanding access to titles by diverse authors who increasingly face bans in public schools and libraries.

The big picture: Just 54 Black-owned bookstores were identified across the U.S. a decade ago.

• There are over 300 today, representing about 8% of all independent bookstores, according to the first State of the Black Bookstore report released this year.
• Facing a tough economy, many are evolving beyond traditional retail and leaning on community partnerships.

Case in point: Rooted Books will begin as a pop-up store, with its first event Saturday at Bottoms Up Coffee on the Near East Side.

• Turner wants to help people of all ages "expand their worldview" with books reflecting diverse cultures, abilities and lived experiences, she tells Axios.
• Next week, she'll join a panel for the first National Black Bookstore Day.

Flashback: A former social studies teacher, Turner always offered a classroom library. She found joy helping students connect with stories, "even if they felt like a non-reader" at first.

• She eventually felt called to recreate that experience on a larger scale.
• The name Rooted Books is a nod to Turner's mother and grandmother, also avid readers. It also reflects being rooted in the community.

Zoom in: There are four other Black-owned bookstores in Columbus on the official directory, including three longtime staples.

The others:

• Zawadi Books, 2017 Maryland Ave.
• Ujamaa Bookstore, 1493 E. Livingston Ave.
• Black Art Plus, 43 Parsons Ave.
• Tastes & Tomes, online and pop-up events.

What she's saying: "It's not competitive, it's supportive," Turner says. "It's a community seeking to uplift one another, and it's wonderful to join and be a part of that."

The bottom line: Turner wants "people to be able to see themselves in their literature."

Visit the pop-up shop: 9am-2pm Saturday, 350 Mount Vernon Ave., or shop online.

Flowers are blooming and the city is emerging from hibernation this April.

Here's what we're watching:

🌎 Global actions, local impact: Gas prices are up amid the war in Iran, other costs are increasing and Congress is considering health care spending cuts — we'll keep tracking where Ohioans feel it the most.

⚖️ Jason Meade retrial: After a 2024 mistrial, former Franklin County deputy Jason Meade is scheduled to return to court this month. Meade is again facing murder charges over the 2020 shooting of Casey Goodson Jr.

• Former Columbus officer Ricky Anderson, who shot and killed Donovan Lewis in his bed in 2022, continues to have his trial delayed while his attorneys represent Meade.

🏒 Playoff push: The Blue Jackets have seven games left in their quest for their first postseason appearance since 2020.

• Plus, we'll be covering the Aviators football team as it makes its home debut at Historic Crew Stadium Friday night.

⚖️ The FirstEnergy corruption trial ended in a hung jury yesterday. Prosecutors want a new trial. (Statehouse News Bureau)

🏥 More than 350,000 Ohioans could lose their health care coverage under Medicaid work requirements from the "big, beautiful bill." (Ohio Capital Journal)

🎭 Broadway in Columbus announced its 2026-27 season, which includes shows like "Beauty and the Beast," "The Great Gatsby" and "Wicked." (Columbus Underground)

🚧 State Route 315 in Delaware County between Powell Road and U.S. 23 will be closed for four months for major infrastructure repair. (Dispatch)

🍗 The Crispy Coop in Grandview is permanently closing without explanation. (WCMH-TV)

👕 Columbus retailer Homage has closed its original Short North location, which opened in 2014. (614 Magazine)

After three rounds of voting, it's time for the big finale.

State of play: Just two venues remain in our Music Madness bracket — Natalie's Grandview and The Bluestone.

• These two have drawn some of the most votes all tournament long, and now they face off in a winner-take-all final.

What's next: Cast a vote for your favorite here before noon Friday. Check back Monday to see which venue won it all!

It may not be the big screen, but a new contest is bringing local films to a recognizable big screen in Columbus.

Driving the news: The UnConventional Film Festival, presented by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, is calling for artists to submit short films highlighting "creativity, community and the spirit of Columbus and Central Ohio."

• Submissions "meeting contest criteria" will be displayed on the 60-foot screen in the connecting bridge between the north and south sides of the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
• Winners will split $10,000 in prizes plus recognition for a few honorable mentions.

Fun fact: Columbus College of Art & Design students will be submitting videos as part of their coursework.

🎞️ How to participate: Submissions (with no entry fee) are open through May 15, with winners announced later in September.

• Films must be two minutes or less, formatted for the unique 4500px x 480px (9:1 aspect ratio) screen and "appropriate for audiences of all ages."