If you love books and cats, you’ll want to add Enola, Pennsylvania, to your travel plans. This small town hides a magical gem for animal lovers and bookworms alike: Cupboard Maker Books. This enchanting bookstore not only boasts over 125,000 titles, but it also has the most adorable furry bookstore manager you’ll ever meet.
His name is Mouse, and he’s no ordinary cat. With soft fur and bright eyes full of curiosity, Mouse has become a local celebrity and the heart of this unique store.
The Birth of a Book Haven
Nearly thirty years ago, Jason and Michelle Haring opened Cupboard Maker Books with a handful of painted furniture and a single bookshelf. Over time, their dream expanded. Today, their store stands as one of the largest independent bookstores in the region.
Their journey didn’t stop with books. As passionate cat lovers, Jason and Michelle decided to partner with Castaway Critters, a local animal rescue. This heartfelt decision transformed their business into a cozy sanctuary for cats. The bookstore soon became a foster home for many felines, complete with cat shelves, beds, and play areas.
Michelle once shared in an interview, “We help books and cats find their forever homes.” That mission has been a beautiful success.
Enter Mouse: A Manager With Whiskers
Among all the cats who came through their doors, one kitten stood out. Born right inside the bookstore, Mouse was one of four littermates. But unlike his siblings, who all found homes elsewhere, Mouse chose to stay. It seemed the bookstore life chose him just as much as he chose it.
From the start, Mouse showed a deep affection for books and people. Instead of lounging in the kitten room, he would explore the aisles and observe customers. He quickly earned his title as the store’s unofficial manager. Today, Mouse is more than a mascot — he’s the soul of the shop.
Mouse’s Daily Duties
Every manager has a routine, and Mouse is no exception. He begins each day at the front door, ready to welcome customers with a friendly stare or a soft purr. Once the guests are inside, he patrols the shelves, keeping an eye out for misaligned books or playful foster kittens.
Mouse also serves as a watchful guardian over his fellow cats, ensuring everyone plays nicely. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the bookstore holds its beloved book club meetings. Mouse never misses one. As Jason explained, “You often see Mouse jumping up, walking down… Most people love him! He’s the king around here!”
Creating a Pawsitive Atmosphere
What sets Mouse apart isn’t just his furry face or cute antics. It’s the warmth he brings to the bookstore. Customers from across the country — and even from other countries — visit the store just to meet him. Whether he’s curled up beside a reader or strutting down the fiction aisle, Mouse brings joy to everyone who enters.
One visitor even shared, “He’s happy to see us. He’s happy to see people!” His calming presence makes the bookstore feel more like home than a retail space.
A Community Built on Compassion
Cupboard Maker Books does more than sell stories — it creates them. Thanks to Jason and Michelle’s kindness, many cats have found loving families. Some stay temporarily, while others, like Mouse, stay forever.
The store continues to serve as a foster home, promoting adoption and animal welfare. Their mission touches lives every day. And at the center of it all is Mouse, the furry bookstore manager who proves that a cat can do more than nap in a sunbeam.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re dreaming of a cozy day surrounded by books and cats, Cupboard Maker Books should be your next stop. You’ll find shelves filled with stories, a team that genuinely cares, and a purrfect little manager eager to greet you.
Mouse will likely help you find your next great read — or at least a reason to smile. So grab a cup of coffee, browse the shelves, and let this charming meownager remind you why small businesses with big hearts matter.
