About Us

Company Information

Northshire Bookstore is a family-owned, independent, community bookstore dedicated to the art of bookselling and the highest standard of service. With locations in Manchester Center, Vermont, and Saratoga Springs, New York, Northshire is proud to offer one of the finest and largest collections of new, used and rare books in New England, with over 300,000 titles in each location. Additionally, we offer a curated collection of vinyl records, stationary, gifts and home goods, with a focus on featuring the work of local artisans.

Online, northshire.com offers access to over 10 million titles with the same personal nature of our in-store shopping experience. We aim to super-serve our loyal customers, both local and out of state, and our team works diligently to ensure that online shoppers are afforded the utmost attention and care in their search, purchases, and in the delivery of their selections.

Northshire is fortunate to be a part of such supportive communities as Manchester and Saratoga Springs; we thrive in the context of the collective, and in doing so, place a heavy emphasis on giving back. We engage in collaborative efforts with each towns’ school system, and we support local charities/non-profits. Additionally, we established the Book Angel Program to ensure that local children whose families cannot afford books will receive at least one literary gift for the holiday.

Cathleen, Nicole and Ashley

In September of 2022, sisters Cathleen Ihasz, Nicole Ihasz and Ashley Ihasz-Austin acquired a majority interest in, and assumed management of, Northshire Bookstore. Growing up in Southern Vermont, the sisters have only the fondest memories of Northshire, and aim to preserve the store’s iconic legacy for future generations. To that end, their diverse skillsets and business capabilities will guide the stores’ management and operations, and their shared belief in the power and importance of literature and art, will guide their unified vision for future expansion of the business.

Our Management Team

The heart of the Northshire is our knowledgeable and dedicated team, some of whom have been with us for over 30 years. These wonderful people are highly skilled, care deeply about literature, and are passionate about the art of bookselling.

Scott Austin - Scott is Director of Operations for Northshire Bookstore, overseeing all aspects of Northshire business. He works closely with the Ihasz sisters to ensure the stability and future growth of the brand on both macro and local levels.

Ben Parker - Ben has been with Northshire Bookstore since 1990. He serves double duty as both our Head of IT Operations and also as our Buyer for Science Fiction & Fantasy, Graphic Novels and Computer Books.

Jessica Wood - A passionate reader since childhood, Jess manages the buying of children's books and toys, gift and other items found in our stores and online. She has been with Northshire Bookstore for 30 years.

Stan Hynds - Stan has been with the Northshire since 2000 and is our Adult Book Buyer, responsible for buying and stocking hundreds of thousands of titles each year.

Jonathan Fine - A Vermonter for over 30 years, Jon heads up our Shipping & Receiving Department and keeps the Northshire staff firing on all cylinders with frequent trivia challenges.

Nancy Scheemaker - Nancy is the General Manager of Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, NY. A bookseller with the Northshire since 1998, she has also enjoyed developing reading groups, serving as the director of community programs and has recently joined the board of the New England Independent Bookseller's Association.

James Case - James is the sales floor manager at Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, VT. Throughout his career in the independent bookstore business, James has held a variety of different positions, including Assistant Buyer and General Manager. He joined Northshire in fall of 2021.

Rachel Person - Rachel oversees all events for Northshire Bookstore, including both on and off-site author events, children’s readings and more.

Our Offering

In addition to our dedicated team members — our full-service bookstores and website are proud to offer:

  • New Books - A vast selection of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Bestsellers, Mystery, Mind Body Spirit, History, Classics, Poetry, Current Events and so much more.
  • Used & Rare Books – With an impressive offering of affordable used books in every category, we also have a 5,000+ title collection of Rare, Signed Editions and First Editions by some of the most renowned and celebrated authors of the 20th & 21st Century.
  • Children's Departments - We have an enormous footprint dedicated to kids in both of our stores! We have expert booksellers and a superb collection of kids' books, educational tools, toys, games, puzzles & clothing.
  • Gifts - A unique and curated selection of gifts, housewares, stationary, cards, music, decorative items and seasonal holiday offerings. We also feature curated selections from local artists.
  • Author Event Series - Both of our stores host weekly author events, both live and online. We are dedicated to bringing a wide range of amazing authors – both local and nationally renowned. See our Event Listings HERE
  • Reading Groups - Northshire Bookstore hosts or participates in many reading groups including story times for children, encouraging the love of reading and vibrant discussion. View our group offerings HERE 

 

History

Morrow Family 1976

The Northshire Bookstore was founded in 1976 by Ed & Barbara Morrow in a small building on Main Street in historic Manchester Center, Vermont. They were novices, but they knew they had made the right decision when book lovers stopped by the unfinished store to buy books even as the Morrow’s were opening the first cartons of books to put on the shelves.

In 1985, the Northshire Bookstore moved across the street to the landmark Colburn House, formerly a stage coach inn and restaurant. Over the years, we were rewarded by a growing clientele, a wonderful and enthusiastic staff, and an author program that contributed to the cultural vibrancy of the community. In 2001, Chris Morrow joined as General Manager, and later Owner, and the store thrived. The Bookstore became such an important part of the community that in 2003, we expanded in Manchester again, adding another 10,000 square feet of books, events space and a Café.

In 2013, at the urging of members of the Saratoga Springs, New York community, we opened the newest Northshire Bookstore. Saratoga, like Manchester, is a wonderful, walkable community full of avid readers. We are thrilled to be there.

Clark and Lu

In 2021, as the Morrow family moved to retirement, Clark and Lu French of Manchester, Vermont took over the ownership of both Northshire Bookstore locations. They cared deeply for both stores, the staff, and managed operations with great acumen, improving the business’ overall efficiency.

After the passing of Lu French in 2022, Clark decided to step back from his roles at Northshire to focus on his family. He approached sisters Cathleen, Nicole and Ashley, believing they would be great stewards of Northshire. The Ihasz family has been part of the southern Vermont community for decades, and the sisters are successful entrepreneurs (who also happen to be voracious readers). The transition has been an organic and seamless one.