The Learned Owl Bookshop - Hudson, OH

The Learned Owl Bookshop - Hudson, OH

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There are a handful of bookstores I've been to that can only be described with one word and in one way.  Charming.  I try to find other words but my limitations in communicative writing hold me back.  Located on the main street of a town between Cleveland and Akron and housed in a historical building over 150 years old, this place was a shoe repair shop way back in the day.  Add a perfectly congenial owner and a friendly staff to the mix and this place is totally charming and delightful.  A comfortable bookstore in every way.

The Learned Owl is a 3-level bookstore with a main level, a 2nd floor, and a basement.  The store offers new books including recent releases and bestsellers.  They have some sidelines but the store business is dominated by books.  Of the sidelines, greeting cards, jigsaw puzzles, and calendars are the best sellers. The store hosts frequent author events, holding the smaller "meet and greet" events in the store.  For larger crowds, they have options around town including the local library.

On the week day of my visit, this place was hopping with business.  Despite that, Kate S., the owner, and Elizabeth, one of the booksellers, were fantastic to talk to and were patient to visit with me.  Kate has all the enthusiasm anyone would enjoy seeing in a bookstore owner and I felt welcomed the minute I walked in.  The store has been in business for 47 years and Kate has been in charge now for 4 years.  The longevity of this store can not only be attributed to a strong local customer base, but GENERATIONS of local customers.  After 47 years, this place is established and the roots run deep in the community.  Kate's ties to a nearby town have helped to draw additional business and they also get some traffic from a local private prep school, Western Case Academy.  The store also has a great partnership with many of the local public schools, especially the middle schools, and has many of their required books stocked here for purchase.

Some of you, however, will have one disappointment when you visit here.  Cat lovers, I'm sorry to tell you that there are no cats here.  Dog lovers, rejoice.  Lily is an energetic rescue dog just learning the ropes at this indie.  Luckily for her, she has a wonderful owner and a super bookstore to hang out in!  Readers, this place is a 5-star gem, don't miss it.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  A Stranger In My Own Country, Hans Fallada.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Red Notebook, Antoine Laurain.  The Borrower, Rebecca Makkai.  The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales, Brothers Grimm, Arthur Rackham, illustrator.

The historical home of The Learned Owl.  

One of the front window displays.  

This building has been here awhile.  

Looking through the store after entering the front door.  

Looking to the right from the front door.  

Looking to the left from the front door.  

Great display featuring staff picks and author events books.  

Need something for the kids this summer?  You'll find options here.  

Current bestsellers displayed and available.  

This is Lily.  For me, she could either be shy or constantly moving, either of which makes it hard to get a good picture!  

A great incentive.  

My kind of chair to try out a book.  

Since you're getting a book as a gift you better get a greeting card to go with it.  

This room is next to the main entrance.  

A portion of the children's section.  

A nice display of books featured on NPR.  

Books available here for required readings by students.  

Some of the sidelines.  

View of the main floor from the back of the store looking toward the front.  

Upstairs you go!  

One of the upstairs rooms.  

Another great place to sit and check out a book.  

Pick up an audio book for your long road trips.  ( I really should listen to my own advice on this!)  

More books in this area of  the basement.  

With Kate, the fine owner at The Learned Owl.  Thanks for a great visit.