This Charming Pennsylvania Bookstore Pairs Endless Aisles With Resident Cats
Bookstores already feel like a little escape, and Cupboard Maker Books in Pennsylvania adds an extra layer of charm with resident cats that treat the aisles like their personal kingdom.
In Enola, this shop is the kind of place where you can wander for ages, running your fingers along spines, spotting unexpected titles, and getting pleasantly turned around in the best way.
Endless aisles create that treasure-hunt energy, where every turn could reveal a new favorite, a quirky find, or a book you did not know you were looking for.
Then there are the cats, quietly supervising, popping up like fuzzy bookmarks, and bringing a calm, cozy vibe you cannot fake.
The whole place feels warm and lived-in, like stories have been piling up here on purpose for years.
Pennsylvania has plenty of charming stops, but a bookstore that pairs stacks on stacks with a few purring companions feels like a rare kind of joy, the kind that makes you slow down and stay awhile.
Here is what always gets me. The second a bookstore cat chooses a nearby spot to nap, I suddenly feel like I have been officially welcomed, and I am not leaving empty-handed.
Three Resident Cats Rule These Literary Roosts
Meet the permanent staff members who never clock out: the resident cats who have made Cupboard Maker Books their kingdom. These are not just decorations or gimmicks.
They are genuine personalities who greet customers, supervise book browsing, and occasionally demand attention at the most inconvenient moments.
Annika, a Himalayan, holds court as a senior feline with a take-it-or-leave-it attitude that somehow makes her even more charming.
Other familiar faces include Odin and more than one additional resident cat, each bringing a different vibe to the aisles and cozy corners.
These cats do not just lounge around looking pretty, though they certainly excel at that too.
They socialize with visitors, provide therapeutic purrs during stressful book-hunting missions, and create an atmosphere that is impossible to replicate in sterile chain stores.
Watching them navigate the narrow aisles with practiced ease never gets old. They know this place better than most humans ever will.
A Former Furniture Workshop Turned Literary Haven
Before shelves groaned under the weight of thousands of books, this place had a completely different focus.
The business began as a painted furniture and gift shop known as The Cupboard Maker, and the owners carried that creative spirit forward as it grew into a full bookstore.
Walking up to Cupboard Maker Books feels like approaching a work of art. The exterior walls showcase massive painted book spines that make the building itself look like a giant bookshelf tipped on its side.
I remember pulling into the parking lot for the first time and just sitting there for a moment, admiring how creative it looked.
That furniture-making past gave the store its quirky name, and you can still sense the craftsmanship in how the interior shelving was designed. Every corner feels intentional and welcoming.
The building sits right on Routes 11 and 15, making it easy to spot from the road. Plenty of parking means you will not circle the lot endlessly like at some downtown shops.
Over Two Hundred Cats Have Found Homes Here
Beyond the permanent residents, Cupboard Maker Books has a long-running connection to cat adoptions.
The owners and their team have helped place well over two hundred cats, giving rescued cats a second chance at happiness.
Throughout the store, you will find photos documenting cat and kitten success stories connected to the bookstore’s adoption efforts. It is an emotional journey just walking past these displays.
Each picture represents a success story, a life saved, a family completed.
The adoption side can run alongside the book business, with cats getting socialized and comfortable with people in a low-pressure environment.
Potential adopters can interact with cats naturally, seeing their personalities emerge as they explore the shelves. It is adoption matchmaking at its finest.
The owners take serious care to ensure every cat is safe, clean, and comfortable while they wait for the right person to take them home. That dedication shows in every detail.
Massive Selection Spans Used And New Titles
Do not let the cats distract you from the main attraction: books, and lots of them. Cupboard Maker Books houses a staggering collection that could keep you browsing for hours without seeing everything.
The majority of inventory consists of used books across every genre imaginable.
Fiction, nonfiction, mystery, romance, science fiction, history, biography, if it exists in print, there is probably a copy somewhere on these shelves.
Prices stay remarkably affordable, with frequent sales offering twenty-five to fifty percent off already reasonable prices.
A dedicated section showcases new releases and trending titles for readers who prefer that fresh-book smell.
The owners also stock books they have written themselves, along with volumes featuring or about the resident cats.
Organization makes navigation surprisingly easy despite the sheer volume of books. Each shelf bears artwork and clear labeling.
Staff members know the inventory well and can point you toward exactly what you need. The selection rivals stores three times its size.
Artistic Touches Transform Ordinary Shelves Into Gallery Walls
Forget boring, utilitarian shelving. Every bookcase at Cupboard Maker Books doubles as a canvas for creative expression.
Artists have transformed the shelves themselves into works of art, painting literary scenes, whimsical designs, and cat-themed masterpieces directly onto the wood. Some feature famous quotes from beloved authors.
Others showcase playful illustrations that make you smile while you search for your next read.
This artistic approach creates an atmosphere that feels more like exploring a gallery than shopping in a store. I have caught myself photographing the shelves as much as the books they hold.
The artwork changes as you move through different sections, keeping the visual experience fresh and engaging.
Beyond the shelves, art decorates walls and corners throughout the space. Much of it centers on cats, naturally, but book-themed pieces dominate as well.
The overall effect is warm, inviting, and distinctly different from cookie-cutter bookstores. It is clear that creativity matters here as much as commerce does.
Open Seven Days With Extended Weekend Hours
Accessibility matters, and Cupboard Maker Books understands that book lovers keep varied schedules.
The store opens at ten in the morning Monday through Saturday, staying open until eight at night to accommodate after-work browsers.
Sunday hours run shorter, from ten until five, giving staff a slightly earlier finish while still providing weekend access.
That schedule beats many independent bookstores that close early or take entire days off. Consistent hours mean you can plan visits without worrying about unexpected closures.
Whether you are a local stopping by after dinner or a traveler passing through on a road trip, chances are good the doors will be open.
The location right off major routes makes it an easy detour without significant time investment. During my visits, I have appreciated the evening hours most.
There is something special about browsing books as daylight fades, with cats settling into their favorite spots and the store taking on a cozier atmosphere.
Call ahead at 717-732-7288 if you want to confirm hours before making a special trip.
Special Events Include Book Signings And Midnight Release Parties
Cupboard Maker Books is not just a retail space. It is a community hub where literary events bring readers together for shared experiences.
Book signings feature local authors, including the store’s own owners, who have published works with a family connection.
These intimate events let readers connect directly with writers in a way that big-box stores cannot replicate.
Book clubs meet regularly, fostering discussions and friendships among members who share reading passions.
Special event nights can turn the store into a celebration space, where readers gather for something memorable beyond everyday browsing.
It is the kind of tradition that builds lasting memories. The store also leans into playful, reader-first ideas that make discovery feel like part of the fun.
These events and programs demonstrate that Cupboard Maker Books prioritizes experience alongside commerce, creating reasons to visit beyond simple transactions.
Trade-In Program Offers Credit For Your Old Books
Got books gathering dust at home? Cupboard Maker Books operates a trade-in program that puts credit in your pocket while making room on your shelves for new reads.
Bring in your gently used books and the staff will evaluate them for potential store credit. Not every book qualifies, as the store focuses on titles likely to resell, but many common genres and authors make the cut.
The process is straightforward and friendly, without the intimidating appraisal atmosphere some used bookstores create.
Credit earned from trades can go toward any purchase in the store, whether used books at bargain prices or new releases at full retail.
It’s a sustainable approach to reading that benefits your wallet and reduces waste. Books that don’t sell elsewhere often find appreciative readers here.
The trade program keeps inventory fresh and constantly rotating. Regular visitors always discover new arrivals because other readers are constantly bringing in their finished books.
It creates a community cycle where books keep moving from reader to reader instead of languishing unread.
Clean, Organized Space Defies Used Bookstore Stereotypes
Used bookstores sometimes suffer from dusty, cluttered reputations. Cupboard Maker Books shatters those expectations with a space that is remarkably clean and thoughtfully organized.
Despite housing thousands of pre-owned books and multiple cats, the store maintains standards that would make any retailer proud. Shelves stay neat and clearly labeled.
Aisles remain passable, though admittedly narrow in places due to the sheer volume of inventory. Lighting is ample throughout, making it easy to read titles and examine book conditions.
The cats themselves are impeccably cared for, with appropriate measures in place to keep them healthy and the environment fresh.
Some reviewers note concerns about allergies, which is valid, but the store’s cleanliness is not in question. Books do not smell musty or neglected.
The atmosphere feels warm rather than dingy.
Organization extends beyond simple alphabetization. Staff clearly understand their inventory and can locate specific titles quickly.
Genre sections are logical and well-marked. It is the kind of place where you can actually find what you are looking for instead of wandering aimlessly and hoping for luck.
Friendly Staff And Owner Create Welcoming Atmosphere
Jason, one of the owners, treats visitors like old friends rather than transactions. Multiple reviews mention his willingness to give tours, share the store’s story, and chat about books and cats with genuine enthusiasm.
Staff members match that friendly energy, greeting customers with smiles and offering assistance without hovering.
They are knowledgeable about inventory and happy to make recommendations based on your interests. The vibe is helpful rather than pushy, relaxed rather than indifferent.
That personal touch makes all the difference between a forgettable shopping trip and a memorable experience.
When I visited, a staff member noticed me photographing the painted shelves and started pointing out other artistic details I had missed. That kind of engagement cannot be scripted or faked.
The welcoming atmosphere extends to how the store embraces both book lovers and animal lovers equally. Whether you come for the literature or the cats, you will feel equally valued.
It is the kind of place that makes you want to return, not just for what they sell but for how they make you feel while you are there.