New Bookstore 'The Checkered Shelf' Opens in Former Appletree Books Space

Owner Mary Pat Jolivette aims to create an immersive, community-focused experience at the new Cleveland Heights shop.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:12am

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After the closure of the long-running Appletree Books in Cleveland Heights last year, a new independent bookstore called The Checkered Shelf has quietly opened in the same space. Run by owner Mary Pat Jolivette, the store is designed to be an inviting community hub where customers can spend time browsing, attending events, and connecting with others over a shared love of books.

Why it matters

The opening of The Checkered Shelf comes at a time when independent bookstores are facing challenges from online retailers, but also seeing a post-pandemic resurgence as readers seek out more immersive, community-focused shopping experiences. Jolivette's vision for The Checkered Shelf as a destination spot that offers more than just transactional book sales reflects this trend.

The details

The Checkered Shelf opened quietly in January 2026 in the former Appletree Books space in Cleveland Heights' Cedar Fairmount neighborhood. Owner Mary Pat Jolivette has thoughtfully curated the store's selection and atmosphere to create an inviting, experience-focused environment. This includes adding new furniture, beanbag chairs in the YA section, and plans to host a variety of events and clubs, from author readings to crocheting circles. Jolivette also plans to keep the store open later on weekends to encourage customers to linger and pair their book browsing with dining and drinks in the neighborhood.

  • The Checkered Shelf opened quietly in January 2026.
  • The store's grand opening celebration will take place on April 10-11, 2026.

The players

Mary Pat Jolivette

The owner of The Checkered Shelf, who has curated the new bookstore to be an immersive community hub.

Lynn Quintrell

The former owner of Appletree Books, which closed in May 2025 after 50 years in business.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want this store to feel like, 'Oh, I'm running an errand and grabbing this book.' I want this to feel like I'm coming in, it's comfortable, it's inviting. I want people to come in and spend a half hour in here.”

— Mary Pat Jolivette, Owner, The Checkered Shelf

“The long term model here is just connection. You have to create a space where people feel connected, connected to each other and a place people want to support and want to keep alive in the community.”

— Mary Pat Jolivette, Owner, The Checkered Shelf

What’s next

The Checkered Shelf will hold its grand opening celebration on April 10-11, 2026, featuring events, readings, and other activities to introduce the new bookstore to the community.

The takeaway

The opening of The Checkered Shelf reflects the ongoing evolution of the book retail landscape, as independent stores seek to differentiate themselves by creating immersive, community-focused experiences that go beyond just transactional book sales. Jolivette's vision for The Checkered Shelf as a destination spot that brings people together over a shared love of books aligns with this trend.