Shawn and Maile

Lancaster County residents Shawn and Maile are writers, readers, proud parents of six children, and owners of Nooks Gallery and Book Shop.

One of Shawn’s favorite quotes is from John Irving’s book, A Prayer for Owen Meany: “If you’re lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.” For Shawn and Maile, buying a bookstore was an act of courage. When they were first considering the possibility of buying the store, Shawn ran the idea by some of his business-minded friends. He expected them to shake their heads and talk about the low margins and long hours; instead, they said, “This is a perfect fit for you.”

Two years later, the store has become an invaluable part of Gallery Row and the Lancaster community. If you haven’t been to the store, you need to visit soon!

The Store

There is a magical and cozy charm to the Nooks bookshop that is difficult to explain until you are there. As you wander through the rooms and halls, you may notice that the displays of illustrated children’s books and curated fiction and nonfiction books for adults are mixed with a selection of local art and children’s toys. The books are intentionally arranged without being overly categorized, and the lights and colorful décor hanging from the walls and ceiling tie everything together. When you walk through the first few rooms, you will be impressed by the wide selection of books, toys, and artwork. And then, when you think you have reached the end of the store, you turn left up a small set of stairs to find an expansive space that was added just a few months ago. Large industrial windows line the back wall, giving natural light to the open concept room with a beautiful view of North Water Street and the Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse. 

Shawn and Maile have created a beautiful space where you come alone to browse through books or attend an event with friends and family.

Events

There are a variety of events at Nooks that foster community, creativity, and imagination. Events at the bookshop include children’s story times, book clubs, book signings, writing workshops, house concerts, and more. The Nooks calendar is always jam packed with fun options. 

Here, for example, are their June 2026 events:

• 4 — Storytime, 10:30am
• 5 — Summer reading begins!
• 5 — First Friday, shop open until 8pm
• 6 — Writers breakfast, 9am
• 6 — The Creatives, 9am
• 6 — Mary Rothwell book signing, 11am
• 7 — Kaitlyn Curtice writing workshop, 4:30pm
• 9 — Secret Back Room Reading & Snacking Society begins! 2pm
• 11 — Storytime, 10:30am
• 13 — Cella Anne book signing, 12pm
• 13 — Storytime, 11am
• 18 — The Book was Better Book Club, 6:30pm
• 19 — Andi Cumbo writing workshop, 7pm
• 25 — Eric Carle Birthday Storytime, 10:30am
• 27 — Helena Schnee book signing, 12pm
• 27 — Storytime, 11am

Book Clubs

Interested in joining a book club? They have a fun mix of options—here is some information about the current book clubs.

Are you a local writer or artist? There’s a book club for you. Do you cringe when people say they watched the movie but haven’t read the book? They made a club for people who have that same reaction called The Book Was Better. Have a soft spot for the classics? Yep, they have that. Then there’s The Secret Back Room Reading & Snacking Society, which, if I’m honest, I’m a little jealous I can’t join because it’s only for ages 10–14.

The Classics

Led by Lauren Flanagan, this club explores classic works of literature and meets every other month on the second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming selections include Sula by Toni Morrison, True Grit by Charles Portis, and Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy.

The Book Was Better

Led by Lisa Bartelt, this club focuses on books that have been adapted for film or television. Members meet on the third Thursday of each month to discuss both the book and its screen adaptation. Upcoming reads include Remarkably Bright Creatures, Fight Club, and Never Let Me Go.

The Creatives

This group, led by Maile Smucker, is designed for writers, artists, and other creatives. Discussions center on participants’ current projects and creative goals. The group is reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

The Secret Back Room Reading & Snacking Society

Designed for readers ages 10–14, this club gives young book lovers a chance to gather, discuss books, and enjoy some snacks.

Learn More

Nooks Gallery and Book Shop is located on Gallery Row in Lancaster, PA. Check out their website and Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest happenings.