Little Sparrow Bookshop builds community through stories, local authors

Romance, fantasy, horror, new and used books, locally made merchandise, author signings and an owner who loves to talk about books — it all comes together at The Little Sparrow Bookshop, 1200 N. Main St.

The woman-owned, independent shop has become a book lover’s paradise since it opened nearly three years ago. Its founder, Lorraine Wilburn of North Canton, said her vision has always been to build a community around books.

Wilburn is originally from Maryland and moved to Ohio 12 years ago when her husband was transferred for work. Before arriving here, she had already developed a background in books through jobs at a Borders bookstore in Maryland and an independent store in New Hampshire.

“Starting my own bookstore was something I always thought about doing,” Wilburn said. “During the pandemic, I talked with my husband about opening a store in the area after it was over, and he said, why not? So, the next day I went out and got a business license and started planning.”

It took her about a year to find the right location, begin buying inventory and put a plan in place. In the meantime, she filled her house and several storage units with thousands of books, determined to be ready when she found a storefront. “I felt like bookstores were making a comeback, and I was determined to make my vision work,” she said.

The shop’s impact was recognized last year when North Canton Mayor Stephan Wilder signed a resolution honoring its success. The resolution noted that Little Sparrow was the first and only independent bookstore in the city and pointed out that its name comes from a Dolly Parton song. Wilburn said the name felt appropriate not only because she is a longtime fan of Parton’s music, but also because of Parton’s Imagination Library, which has given away millions of books to children worldwide. At the time of the resolution, the store had already sold more than 14,000 books.

The shop continues to grow through a trade credit program that allows customers to bring in gently used books published within the past two years. Accepted genres include romance, general fiction, fantasy, horror, graphic novels, manga, classics, children’s and young adult titles. Books must be clean and free of writing, highlighting, underlining, tears or missing dust covers. In return, customers receive credit to put toward other purchases.

The store itself is well organized and welcoming, with shelves of excellent-condition books and space for browsing. Wilburn said she has welcomed readers from Cleveland and beyond, and during Pro Football Hall of Fame Week, she often sees visitors from around the country. “You don’t start an independent new and used bookstore to make a million dollars,” she said. “You do it for the love of books. It is amazing to be around books all day and help readers find the right one.”

Wilburn noted that while the shop attracts all ages, she has noticed more younger readers and Gen Z customers browsing the fantasy and science fiction sections. To expand the experience, she occasionally hosts a psychic who offers palm and tarot readings, an event that packs the store. “We do have a psychic come in for readings, and people turn out,” Wilburn said. “The store is really busy when she’s here.”

The shop also hosts book clubs and stocks a wide selection of gift items, many created by local makers and artists. Nearly all of those lines come from woman-owned businesses.

Starting out wasn’t easy. Wilburn had to learn about distribution systems, the publishing world and how to market her business. At first, getting the word out was a challenge, but word of mouth eventually drew a steady following. “One of the surprising aspects has been that people are not used to having an independent bookstore in the area,” she said. “Even after three years, people still come in and ask if we rent the books like a library would. I tell them no, we sell books here.”

In addition to filling her store with books, Wilburn collects antique and used typewriters, which she displays but does not sell. “I love the romantic idea of being a writer, but I don’t have the patience to sit and write,” she said. “I like working with and reading the books more than writing them.” Instead, she supports local writers by giving them space to sell their books and hosting signings.

As for her own taste, Wilburn said she reads widely. “I’m kind of all over the place,” she said. “I love fiction, especially biographies. Right now, I’ve been reading a lot of Shirley Jackson, who wrote horror and mystery. I’m also reading poetry by Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was married to Mary Shelley, the author of ‘Frankenstein.’”

Visiting Little Sparrow offers more than a shopping trip; it’s a chance to meet an owner who delights in connecting readers with books. For more information about The Little Sparrow Bookshop, including hours, local authors and vendors, visit www.littlesparrowbooks.com.