Independent Book Store to Open on South Allen Street in State College

A new independent book store is coming to the heart of downtown State College later this summer.

The Squirrel and Acorn Bookshop plans to open in August at 103 S. Allen St. The location is the former home of The Animal Kingdom, which merged with its sister store, Growing Tree Toys, 202 S. Allen St., this spring.

“From a stuffed animal shop to an independent bookstore. Imagination, stories, and whimsy continue to make a home at this beautiful space!” a post on the store’s Facebook page said.

Owner Andrew Aschwanden said the store will be a place where stories can be discovered and told.

“So not only can you find all these great books that have these stories and histories and experiences but you have the opportunity to have a place where you can create those experiences,” he said. “Everybody has a story that they always wanted to tell. This is that kind of place where that story can be told, can be supported, can be experienced.”

In addition to books, The Squirrel and Acorn will have an area dedicated to stationery and writing implements. Aschwanden also hopes to host writing workshops and contests, and bring in local and national authors for readings, “to be able to connect people with storytellers of all shapes and sizes so that they can come together as their own kind of community and be supported in being able to tell their stories.”

A research tech in a Penn State entomology lab for 12 years, Aschwanden said he’s always had a love of books and independent bookstores and decided it was something he wanted to pursue. He began planning in the fall of 2019, working with the Penn State Small Business Development Center on a business plan.

“I thought it would be unique opportunity. I felt we have the right kind of mix of community to be supportive of it, so I thought I’d go ahead and try to do it,” he said. “The Animal Kingdom space came about and my family has shopped there for years so we knew how interesting the space was and I jumped at the opportunity and went from there.”

The Animal Kingdom was located at the storefront for 30 years before leaving this spring to integrate its stuffed animals, children’s apparel and baby gifts into Growing Tree Toys, 202 S. Allen St. Owner Lindsay Williamson said in January that by not renewing The Animal Kingdom’s lease, she planned to create “a one-stop shop” of specialty toys, books and gifts at Growing Tree.

Aschwanden, meanwhile, said he’s already getting positive feedback about The Squirrel and Acorn.

“I’m excited to open up,” he said. “The response from the community so far seems overwhelmingly positive. I figured it would be but it’s always great to have that reassurance. I’m excited to share the store with everyone and have them help me create a cool experience for downtown and Centre County in general.”

The shop is awaiting delivery of bookshelves and an exact opening date has not yet been set. For updates, check The Squirrel and Acorn’s website and social media.