Cupboard Maker Books — Attraction in Enola

I rarely leave reviews, but I had to based on the unfortunate turn of events that I had as an author. After attending a "signing class" and setting up an event (which for an author is a lot of work - with both preparation and marketing), I was cancelled one week prior. Why was I cancelled? Because I asked a question about why a tax withholding number was required to sell merchandise (which I stated was not a big deal because I do not have a lot of merch lol) - especially when I am a sole proprietor and use my SSN when doing taxes. I was told that this was not "nice or professional." This has never been asked at any other store, nor have they required more than 30% on their end. This store also wanted more than 30%, doesn't allow you to tell people where they can purchase the book (even though it isn't sold at their store), and do not advertise for your event until the last minute. Again - I hate leaving negative reviews for any small business because we are all a community trying to help each other and small businesses need to survive these days. By no means should you not go and support them - but other authors should be aware that they do not seem to be supporting local and independent authors, since other bookstores do not charge fees, invite questions from authors, want you to sell as much as you can, and take little on their end (especially if they have done nothing to boost the event). I also want people to see that the cancel culture in this world is sad. United we stand... you should be happy that people ask questions and try to make yourself better, instead of getting offended and cancelling those people because you didn't like the questions? I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Very sad and...

Cupboardmaker is one of my favorite places to go, ever. There are so many books jammed onto huge shelves, you couldnt look at all of them if you tried. Patrons come together to cover the ends of the bookcases in doodles, quotes, book recommendations, social media handles.

The main attraction is of course the cats. At any time the store will have three permanent residents and up to 3 foster cats free-roaming to socialize with visitors. The people make an effort to educate patrons on how to safely interact with the cats, and provide plenty of enrichment and places to hide.

Offered are an impressive variety of books, largely donated, in every genre and category. There are comics, biographies, how-to's, textbooks, antique books, children's and YA, and every type of fiction you can think up, all at very reasonable (and clearly marked) prices. A large section displays local authors and new releases, and there is some merchandise to support the shop like pins, totes, book cozies (?).

Its a bit musty inside, as you would expect in a place full of cats and old books, but that's a small price to pay for the experience of exploring the expansive shelves and quiet corners of this lovely place. I always have fun walking around, even if I don't buy anything, and everyone around you feeling the awe of meeting a little cat makes the whole thing feel a tad...

We made a trip to PA from NYS specifically to visit Cupbaord Maker Books. They have a cute story in which they operate as not only a used book store but have 3 resident cats and foster cats for adoption, having helped over 200 cats find homes.

Aside from the cats (a huge draw for us!), they had an incredible selection of books, but they were very well organized. There was also tons of art around the store, some centering on cats, most on books.

In addition to used books, they have a section with brand new books, including some by the owner and others by/about the resident cats.

There's even more! Because they had this neat basket full of wrapped books labeled "Blind Date With a Book." The labels told the genre and a few details of interest so buyers could choose a surprise book. My daughter chose to open hers immediately and was pleased with the selection. I'm opting to wait til a night when I need a pick me up to see what surprise I got!

Oh, additionally, we got all of our used books on discount the day we visited: 25%-50% off. My sister took home a stack of used books in good condition for less than $30. You can't beat that!!!

I definitely suggest a trip to Cupboard Maker Books for any of the perks they offer - and probably many others that I...