Barnes & Noble has signed an agreement to acquire Joseph-Beth Booksellers, including its stores in Lexington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as the related Bronte Bistros. The local brand, staff, and programming will remain unchanged, continuing their operations under the new ownership. This acquisition follows a similar strategy used in previous deals, such as the 2024 acquisition of Tattered Cover and the 2025 acquisition of Books Inc., where the brands and names were kept intact even as ownership changed. Unlike those earlier acquisitions, Joseph-Beth is not currently under bankruptcy proceedings. Joseph-Beth Booksellers was founded in 1986 by Neil and Mary Beth Van Uum. The company previously sought protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in 2010. Later, Robert Langley acquired the Lexington and Cincinnati stores through his company, Booksellers Enterprises. Barnes & Noble aims to ensure the continuity of Joseph-Beth's operations, allowing its booksellers, author events, and staff to continue their work as they have done before. The transaction amount and closing schedule have not been disclosed. Barnes & Noble currently operates fewer than 600 stores but plans to open around sixty new stores this year. The company is expanding its network while allowing local stores greater autonomy in product selections and presentations. This approach reflects a broader strategy to grow the chain while preserving the unique character of individual locations. This acquisition is part of a larger trend in the retail book industry, where larger chains are buying smaller, locally owned stores to expand their reach while maintaining local identities. Barnes & Noble's decision to acquire Joseph-Beth highlights its commitment to both growth and the preservation of local book retail traditions.