by Andree Niswander
Reporter
Hudson -- Books are written on the pages of Liz Murphy's entire life, from early childhood memories of her father's Christmas Eve readings to the day she bought her Main Street bookstore.
That was 25 years ago, and this October, the Hudson resident will celebrate literary life with The Learned Owl Book Shop's 40th anniversary.
Growing up without TV, books were a staple in Murphy's College Park, Md., home. With an English professor father and librarian mother, the written word became her world, said Murphy.
"Books have always been woven into my life," she said. "They've created my world ... since I learned how to read."
So when Murphy got the tip 25 years ago that a little, independent bookstore was for sale, it got her pages turning, she said.
At the age of 35, she'd spent her post-college adult life traveling the country, working a variety of long-term, temporary business jobs. Settling down in small-town America with a good book ... store, that is ... sounded irresistible, she added.
"And the rest is history," said Murphy.
The Learned Owl originally was opened in 1968 by Hudson residents Jean and Bob Isabel, who sold the bookstore to resident Rosemary Burner Jones in the mid-70s. Murphy, now 60, purchased the shop from Jones Oct. 15, 1983, with business partner Elaine Ober. Murphy became the store's sole proprietor in 1990.
Forty years ago, the entire store's inventory was situated in what is now the "Children's Room." During Murphy's 25 years of business ownership, The Learned Owl has grown from 1,500 square feet on one floor to a three-story, 2,300-square-foot business.
In its first years, the bookstore had only two employees. Twenty-one full- and part-time employees now grace shop floors, along with The Learned Owl's third "book shop dog," 7-year-old Ruby.
There were 35 independent bookstores in Northeast Ohio in 1983, when Murphy bought the shop. Now there are fewer than five, she said.
Murphy's people skills and business savvy likely have contributed to her long-term Hudson success, said Carolyn Konefal, Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce executive director.
"Liz Murphy has always been very well respected," said Konefal. "Her effort as a local owner has been equally as important as the store's presence on Main Street."
To commemorate the book boutique's 40th anniversary, the store will host a month-long celebration. Over the years, The Learned Owl has featured numerous book and author events.
The tradition will continue Oct. 25 and 26, with anniversary celebrations to include a storytelling visit from author Mercer Mayer's "Little Critter" and tetrahedron-building sessions headed by guest author Shelly Pearsall.
Throughout the month, festivities also will include giveaways, drawings, face painting and a surprise anniversary discount. For more information, call 330-653-2252.
E-mail: aniswander@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3947