Independent bookstores are not just surviving; they’re thriving, and Hudson’s beloved Learned Owl Book Shop is a testament to this resurgence. Proving that the charm of brick-and-mortar bookstores is alive and well, The Learned Owl is expanding its literary footprint with a second location, The Thrifty Owl, in nearby Northfield Center. This exciting development means even more book lovers in and around Hudson will have access to the unique experience and curated selections that independent bookstores offer.
For frequenters of The Book Shelf on East Aurora Road in Northfield Center, this news is particularly welcome. The long-standing bookstore has been acquired by Kate Schlademan, owner of The Learned Owl Book Shop Hudson, and Hudson resident Wes Hilton. They’ve renamed it The Thrifty Owl and are steering its focus towards used books, catering to budget-conscious readers and those seeking unique, pre-loved treasures. The purchase comes as Patti Shirkman, the previous owner of The Book Shelf, enters retirement, ensuring the literary legacy of this location continues.
This expansion might seem counterintuitive in an age dominated by online retail giants like Amazon. However, the narrative around independent bookstores has shifted dramatically in recent years. While the total number of bookstores decreased significantly from 1998 to 2019, the number of independent bookstores has actually seen a remarkable increase.
Data reveals a compelling trend: in 2019, the U.S. boasted 6,045 brick-and-mortar bookstores, a considerable drop from the 12,151 in 1998. Yet, against this backdrop, independent bookstores have flourished. A 2020 Harvard Business School-funded paper highlighted a 49% growth in independent bookstores, rising from 1,651 in 2009 to 2,470 in 2018. This resurgence underscores the enduring appeal of these community hubs.
Both Patti Shirkman and Kate Schlademan confirm this positive trend, attributing it to the irreplaceable personal touch and community connection that independent bookstores offer. “People love to come in,” Shirkman stated. “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.”
The Book Shelf’s Transformation into The Thrifty Owl
The Book Shelf, now The Thrifty Owl, has a rich history. Originally established as The Book Rack in the early 1990s in Maple Heights’ Southgate shopping center as part of a franchise, Patti Shirkman took over ownership in 2006 when the previous owner, Rick Brewer, retired. Shirkman rebranded it as The Book Shelf, breaking away from the franchise to focus on serving local schools with classroom reading list books and cultivating a more community-centric approach.
Over the years, The Book Shelf became known for its diverse selection of used books, neatly organized by genre and author, spanning from true crime and paranormal fiction to Amish fiction and children’s literature. Beyond books, the store also offered puzzles, bookends, and small baskets, but its heart lay in its extensive collection of pre-owned books. This tradition will continue at The Thrifty Owl, with Schlademan confirming the continuation of the popular practice of offering in-store credit for traded-in books.
Shirkman, a former school librarian, expressed excitement for her retirement and spending more time with family, while also hinting at occasional returns to help out at the store, highlighting the family-like atmosphere she fostered. Indeed, The Book Shelf was a family affair, with her father-in-law, a former school principal, and her husband both having worked at the store.
Schlademan’s acquisition of The Book Shelf to create The Thrifty Owl was born from a long-held vision. Having owned The Learned Owl since 2013, after taking over from Liz Murphy, she had considered opening a second location for some time. “I’ve had this in the back of my mind,” Schlademan explained. “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 a perfect solution.
For Shirkman, finding a successor in Schlademan was a relief after struggling to find a buyer. “I was so happy when (Schlademan) called,” she said, emphasizing the community’s positive reaction to the store remaining open. Interestingly, Shirkman and her husband had previously considered purchasing The Learned Owl book shop hudson when it was for sale, but were advised that local Hudson residency was preferred, showcasing the deep community roots of these bookstores.
Grand Opening and Future Plans for The Thrifty Owl
The Thrifty Owl is tentatively planning a grand opening event on October 29th. Currently, the store operates from Tuesday to Saturday, and plans are underway to extend hours to Thursdays before the holiday season. Looking ahead, The Thrifty Owl aims to expand its online presence through its website, thriftyowl.com, and host events like author signings and book clubs, further solidifying its role as a community hub for book lovers.
Visit The Thrifty Owl: 152 E. Aurora Road, Northfield Center, OH. Contact: 330-468-3736 or thriftyowl.com
Visit The Learned Owl Book Shop Hudson: 204 N. Main St., Hudson, OH. Contact: 330-653-2252 or learnedowl.com
