Independent bookstores have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of online retail giants, and Hudson, Ohio, is home to a shining example of this success: The Learned Owl Bookstore. This beloved local institution is not just surviving; it’s thriving and expanding its literary footprint in the community. Known for its curated selection and personal touch, The Learned Owl is now embarking on an exciting new chapter by taking the reins of a second bookstore location, The Thrifty Owl, in nearby Northfield Center. This expansion is welcome news for book lovers in and around Hudson and further solidifies the enduring appeal of independent bookstores.
For residents who cherish the experience of browsing shelves, discovering hidden literary treasures, and connecting with fellow book enthusiasts, The Learned Owl has long been a haven. Owner Kate Schlademan, along with Hudson resident Wes Hilton, have recently acquired The Book Shelf in Northfield Center, a bookstore with a rich history in its own right. They have rebranded it as The Thrifty Owl, with a focus on providing a wide array of used books to the community. This acquisition from Patti Shirkman, who is retiring, ensures that this local book-buying tradition continues, now under the experienced and passionate leadership of The Learned Owl team.
While the overall number of bookstores in the United States has seen a decline since the rise of online retailers, the independent bookstore sector is experiencing a vibrant resurgence. Data reveals a compelling trend: while the total number of bookstores decreased significantly between 1998 and 2019, independent bookstores have actually grown in number. This growth, nearly 50% between 2009 and 2018, underscores a deep-seated value that these community hubs provide, a value that online algorithms simply cannot replicate.
This trend is no surprise to Patti Shirkman, the previous owner of The Book Shelf, or Kate Schlademan of The Learned Owl. The enduring appeal of independent bookstores lies in the personalized experience they offer. “People love to come in,” Shirkman noted, emphasizing the crucial role of knowledgeable staff who can offer tailored recommendations. “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 echoes this sentiment, highlighting the “fun part” of bookselling – the connection with customers and the shared passion for reading. This human element, combined with carefully curated selections, is what sets independent bookstores like The Learned Owl and The Thrifty Owl apart and fuels their continued success. “Bookstore numbers are continuously growing,” Schlademan observes, “It’s a great trend to watch. We are going in the right direction.”
From The Book Rack to The Thrifty Owl: A Local Bookstore’s Evolution
The story of The Thrifty Owl is rooted in the history of The Book Shelf, which itself began as The Book Rack in the early 1990s. Originating in the Southgate shopping center in Maple Heights as a franchise, The Book Rack was where Patti Shirkman began her bookselling journey. When the original owner, Rick Brewer, decided to retire in 2006, Shirkman stepped in to take ownership. She rebranded it as The Book Shelf, transitioning away from the franchise model to focus on serving the local community, particularly by working closely with schools to provide books for classroom reading lists.
Over the years, The Book Shelf cultivated a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse inventory. Customers could find stacks of books reaching towards the ceiling, organized by genre and author, catering to a wide range of interests from true crime and paranormal fiction to Amish literature and children’s and young adult selections. Beyond books, The Book Shelf also offered charming additions like small baskets, bookends, and puzzles. However, the heart of its inventory was always its extensive collection of used books, offering affordable options and sustainable reading choices. This tradition of offering used books and accepting trade-ins for store credit will continue at The Thrifty Owl, ensuring value for book lovers.
Patti Shirkman’s connection to the community extended beyond the bookstore. As a former school librarian at Ledgeview Elementary School in Nordonia Hills City Schools, she understood the importance of literacy and accessible books. Retirement will allow her to spend more time with family, but her dedication to the bookstore and its customers is evident in her willingness to continue helping out at The Thrifty Owl when needed. The Book Shelf was truly a family affair, with Shirkman’s father-in-law, a former principal at Rushwood Elementary School, and her husband both contributing to the store’s operation over the years.
Kate Schlademan’s path to owning The Learned Owl and now expanding to The Thrifty Owl also reflects a deep passion for books and community. Before purchasing The Learned Owl from Liz Murphy in 2013, Schlademan herself worked at the Hudson bookstore, gaining valuable experience and insight into the business. The idea of opening a second bookstore had been brewing for some time, driven by customer demand. “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 itself as the ideal solution, a “win-win” situation as Shirkman described it. Shirkman had been seeking a buyer for her bookstore, hoping to ensure its continuation. “I had struggled to find a buyer,” she said. “I was so happy when (Schlademan) called. 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, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Hudson bookstore community.
The Thrifty Owl: Grand Opening and Future Plans
The Thrifty Owl is eagerly anticipating its grand opening, tentatively scheduled for October 29th, from 4 to 6 p.m. Currently, the store is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schlademan plans to extend the store hours to include Thursdays before the holiday season, providing even more opportunities for customers to browse their shelves.
Looking ahead, The Thrifty Owl aims to build upon the foundation of The Book Shelf while incorporating the customer-focused approach of The Learned Owl. Their website, thriftyowl.com, is already live, and future plans include online sales, author signings, and potentially a book club, fostering a vibrant literary community hub in Northfield Center.
For those seeking the charm and personalized service of an independent bookstore, Hudson, Ohio, and its surrounding areas offer a delightful literary landscape. The Learned Owl Bookstore and its new sister store, The Thrifty Owl, are testaments to the enduring power of books and the communities that gather around them. Visit The Learned Owl at 204 N. Main St., Hudson, or explore The Thrifty Owl at 152 E. Aurora Road, Northfield Center, and discover the magic of independent bookselling for yourself.
The Thrifty Owl
Where: 152 E. Aurora Road, Northfield Center
Contact: Call 330-468-3736 or visit thriftyowl.com
The Learned Owl Bookstore
Where: 204 N. Main St., Hudson
Contact: Call 330-653-2252 or visit learnedowl.com
