A couple of days ago, I came across a heartwarming story that made me seriously consider adding Enola, Pennsylvania, to my cross-country travel list.
If you’re anything like me and love both books and cats, you’ll want to pin East Pennsboro Township on your map, because this charming municipality is home to a truly special bookstore.
Cupboard Maker Books is a dream come true for bibliophiles and ailurophiles alike, featuring a delightful furry manager named Mouse who’s sure to steal your heart!
Have I tickled your fancy? Scroll down to learn more about this enchanting spot!
The Wonderful World Of Cupboard Maker Books
Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, Pennsylvania is famous for its stunning mural of books painted on its exterior wall and its impressive collection of both used and new books.
But beyond its literary treasures, this whimsical bookstore has another unique charm.
Not only can you wander the endless aisles filled with classic titles and works by renowned American authors, but you can do so with a furry companion by your side.
That’s right – this bookstore is home to several adorable cats!
Nearly three decades ago, Jason and Michelle Haring opened a small, custom-built bookstore adorned with painted furniture and just one shelf of books.
As their business flourished over the years, they relocated to a larger space, transforming their humble beginnings into one of the biggest bookstores in the area, now boasting over 125,000 titles – and counting!
But, how did cats become part of their story?
A few years ago, as devoted cat lovers, Jason and Michelle partnered with the local animal rescue group Castaway Critters, offering their bookstore as a foster home for kitties in need.
Since then, the store has been outfitted to cater to its feline residents, with cat shelves, trees, beds, toys, and even a dedicated room where the cats can hang out.
In an interview with Fox43, Michelle shared:
“We help books and cats find their forever homes.”
Not only have they fostered countless adoptable cats, but they’ve also given permanent homes to several, making them official “bookstore cats.”
If you visit Cupboard Maker Books, you’re likely to be greeted by Mouse, Odin, and Annika, the store’s resident felines.
These three rule the store, especially Mouse – the self-appointed furry manager!
The Cutest Meownager Ever
Mouse was actually born in the bookstore, but out of his four littermates, he was the only one who stayed for good.
From an early age, his curiosity led him to explore all the nooks and crannies of the store.
While his siblings played in the kitten room, enjoying the perks of their temporary home while waiting to be adopted, Mouse had his nose in books – quite literally!
In fact, among his siblings, Mouse was the only one who chose his forever home all on his own.
It almost feels like he was destined to become a bookstore manager.
Job Description Of A Furry Bookstore Manager
Being a bookstore manager can be quite challenging, even if you have help to tackle all the tasks at hand.
But it’s safe to say that Mouse is the best meownager Cupboard Maker Books could ever ask for!
Here are just a few of his daily responsibilities:
Every day, Mouse is at the front door to greet his beloved visitors.
Once his welcoming duties are done, he goes on his scheduled aisle paw-trol to ensure everything is in order and that no books are out of place – a task he diligently repeats every hour or two.
He also keeps an eye on the foster kitties throughout the day, making sure no one is causing mischief in his bookstore!
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the bookstore hosts its traditional book clubs – and, of course, Mouse is always there to supervise. As Jason said in an interview:
“On Tuesdays and Thursday nights we have book clubs, and you often see Mouse jumping up, walking down… Most people love him! He’s the king around here!”
But above all, Mouse brings a unique kind of love and charm to the bookstore. That’a his most important duty and I’m pretty sure no one can top that!
“People from around the country and around the world come in here, they fall in love with Mouse. He’s happy to see us. He’s happy to see people!”
I don’t know about you, but Mouse has definitely inspired me to visit Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, Pennsylvania.
I can’t wait to plan my trip and meet this pawesome bookstore manager – I’m sure he’ll help me find the purrfect book to take home!
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