Despite the rise of online retail giants like Amazon, independent bookstores are not just surviving—they’re thriving. A testament to this resurgence is the expansion of Learned Owl Book Shop, a beloved literary haven in Hudson, Ohio. Owner Kate Schlademan is taking the reins of a second location, much to the delight of local book lovers.
This exciting news also benefits patrons of The Book Shelf in Northfield Center. This long-standing bookstore has been acquired by Schlademan and Hudson resident Wes Hilton, and rebranded as The Thrifty Owl. Focusing on pre-loved books, The Thrifty Owl opened its doors under new management after Schlademan and Hilton purchased the shop from retiring owner Patti Shirkman.
The move to operate a second bookstore might seem counterintuitive in today’s digital age. However, while the total number of bookstores has decreased, the number of independent bookstores has actually seen growth in recent years. Statistics reveal a compelling narrative: in 2019, the U.S. had 6,045 brick-and-mortar bookstores, a significant drop from 12,151 in 1998. Yet, against this backdrop, independent bookstores have flourished, increasing from 1,651 in 2009 to 2,470 in 2018 – a remarkable 49% surge, as highlighted in a 2020 Harvard Business School paper.
This positive trend resonates with both Shirkman and Schlademan. “People love to come in,” Shirkman explained. “We can recommend books to them, we offer a personal touch. We get to know our customers and what they like. You get to know people.” Schlademan echoed this sentiment, adding, “That’s the fun part. Bookstore numbers are continuously growing. It’s a great trend to watch. We are going in the right direction.” This personal connection and community focus are key differentiators for independent book shops like Learned Owl and now The Thrifty Owl.
A Storied History: From The Book Rack to The Thrifty Owl
The Book Shelf, now reborn as The Thrifty Owl, has a rich history in the community. Shirkman recounted how it began as The Book Rack in the early 1990s, initially located in the Southgate shopping center in Maple Heights. She was an employee when the franchise owner, Rick Brewer, decided to retire. In 2006, Shirkman took ownership, transforming it into The Book Shelf and breaking away from the franchise model to better serve local schools with classroom reading list titles.
The store offered a diverse selection, with shelves brimming with books categorized by genre and author, catering to interests ranging from true crime to paranormal fiction, Amish literature to children’s and young adult titles. Alongside used books, The Book Shelf also carried book-related gifts like baskets, bookends, and puzzles. A popular feature, the book trade-in program for store credit, will continue at The Thrifty Owl.
Shirkman, a former school librarian, looks forward to retirement but will remain connected to the store, occasionally helping out. Running The Book Shelf was a family endeavor, with her father-in-law, a former school principal, and her husband both contributing to the shop’s operation.
Schlademan, who herself purchased Learned Owl Book Shop in 2013 after working there, had been considering expanding to a second location. “I’ve had this in the back of my mind,” she shared. “My customers were asking for us to open in another location. But it was a daunting prospect, to find a place, then get inventory and then set up.” The opportunity to acquire The Book Shelf presented itself as a perfect solution. For Shirkman, finding a buyer had been challenging, and Schlademan’s call was a welcome development. “I was so happy when (Schlademan) called,” Shirkman said. “People tell me all the time they are happy that we are staying open.” Interestingly, Shirkman and her husband had previously considered purchasing The Learned Owl when it was for sale, but were advised that residency in Hudson was preferred.
Grand Opening and Future Chapters for The Thrifty Owl
The Thrifty Owl is planning a grand opening event tentatively scheduled for October 29th, from 4 to 6 p.m. Current operating hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schlademan anticipates extending hours to include Thursdays before the holiday season.
The Thrifty Owl’s website, thriftyowl.com, is live, and future plans include online sales, author signings, and potentially a book club, further cementing its role as a community hub for book enthusiasts. The expansion of Learned Owl Book Shop with The Thrifty Owl underscores the enduring appeal and vital role of independent bookstores in the literary landscape.
The Thrifty Owl
Where: 152 E. Aurora Road, Northfield Center
Contact: 330-468-3736, thriftyowl.com
The Learned Owl
Where: 204 N. Main St., Hudson
Contact: 330-653-2252, learnedowl.com
