Iconic indie bookstore was established in Manchester Center, Vermont in 1976

Manchester Center, VT — July 7, 2026 — Northshire Bookstore is celebrating 50 years of independent bookselling in 2026, and will host a full day of family-friendly public festivities to mark the milestone on August 8, 2026, at both their Manchester Center, VT, and Saratoga Springs, NY, locations. Limited edition merchandise commemorating the 50^th is available now in both stores.

“Northshire is more than a bookstore — it’s a destination for readers, gift-givers, vinyl lovers, and anyone seeking a welcoming place to gather, discover, and connect,” says Scott Austin, COO and Co-Owner.

Northshire is revered for its extensive selection of new, used and rare books, as well as its curated assortment of gifts, housewares, vinyl records, and its one-of-a kind children’s floor, featuring books, games, puzzles, toys, and more.

Northshire Bookstore was founded by the Morrow family in Manchester Center, Vermont in 1976.

In 2021, ownership transitioned to the French family and in the fall of 2022, Cathleen Ihasz, Nicole Ihasz, Ashley Ihasz-Austin, and Scott Austin became stewards of the iconic bookstore, continuing its tradition as a family-owned business.

“Our primary mission is to honor the legacy of the business, while also creating new initiatives that create additional value for our loyal guests and encourage future generations to discover Northshire’s magic,” Scott says.

The Ihasz sisters grew up among the stacks in the Manchester store, and the family’s collective backgrounds in hospitality, finance, and entertainment legacy preservation made for a strong fit with the store’s operational needs.

“Northshire has always held a special place in our family’s heart, so when the opportunity came to carry it forward, we didn’t hesitate,” says Nicole. “We are so grateful for the team that makes this store the kind of place people return to for a lifetime.”

Both of its locations offer a robust calendar of author events, and Northshire proudly supports local communities through its Round Up, Book Angels, and other giving initiatives.

Customers can learn more about the 50th anniversary schedule of events by visiting northshire.com or following us on social media. 

ABOUT NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE

Northshire Bookstore, the winner of both regional and national bookselling awards, is widely recognized as one of the finest independent bookstores in the United States, offering an extensive selection of books and curated gifts for all ages.

Founded in 1976 by Ed & Barbara Morrow in a small building on Main Street in historic Manchester Center, Vermont, the store quickly became a center of the community, and in 1985, moved across the street to the landmark Colburn House. In 2013, Northshire opened a second location in Saratoga Springs, NY, bringing its warm atmosphere and bookselling expertise to New York’s Capital Region.

Over the decades, Northshire has enriched the cultural life of local communities through thousands of author events. Northshire also hosts children’s programming, brings authors into area schools, partners with local not-for-profits, and works with its customers to provide free books to area children via its Book Angels program.

To learn more about Northshire and keep up with the latest news and events, visit northshire.com, and follow on social media at @northshirebooks on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads; @northshirebookstore on Facebook; and @northshirebooks.bsky.social on Bluesky.