Nestled in the heart of Shipshewana, a charming new bookstore is breathing life into the town’s literary scene. Owned and operated by Paige Warren, Used Books by Paige, located in the Yoder Crossroads building at 0920 South State Road 5, is more than just a place to buy books. It is a legacy of Warren’s passion for preserving stories and fostering community.
Warren’s path to bookstore ownership was anything but conventional. Six years ago, she began selling books online, sourcing them in bulk and reselling what she could. However, she quickly realized that many unsold books were too valuable to be discarded. Initially proud of her recycling efforts, she soon felt the gravity of what was being lost. “I started holding them back, thinking, ‘These books deserve another chance,’” Warren says.
Her solution? A once-a-month book sale out of a warehouse. There, she discovered her true passion, not in online sales, but in face-to-face interactions with customers who share her love for books. “I loved making friends, helping people find books they were searching for and seeing their excitement,” she says. The more she engaged with the community, the clearer it became that Warren needed a retail space.
Encouraged by the support of Shipshewana locals attending her warehouse sales, Warren took a leap of faith. She found the perfect location at Yoder Crossroads, said a prayer, and opened her doors in December 2024.
Unlike big-box bookstores that primarily stock new titles, Warren aims to provide high-quality, affordable used books for the whole family. She recognized a gap in the local market – while new books were available, there were few options for budget-conscious readers who prefer secondhand books.
The store carries various genres, from contemporary bestsellers to timeless classics, with an antiquarian section that includes books dating back to the early 1900s. Most of the store’s inventory comes from bulk purchases, but Warren also offers a buy-back program that allows customers to trade in books for in-store credit.
“I want this to be a place where people can find great books at great prices,” Warren says. “It’s about making literature accessible to everyone.”
While books are the store’s heart, Warren has found creative ways to repurpose those that don’t sell. Inspired by her first name, she now incorporates book pages into handcrafted decorations, collaborating with local Amish artisans to create ornaments, seasonal decor, and even a fireplace display made entirely of encyclopedias.
Her community-driven approach extends beyond decor. Shortly after opening, a large local Amish family befriended Warren, and 25 of them rallied to build her bookshelves, constructing the store’s shelving in just four hours. “They wouldn’t let me pay them,” Warren says. “They just kept asking, ‘What can we do next?’ That kind of support makes this feel like a ‘we’ business, not just mine.”
Warren’s venture is part of a growing movement toward independent bookstores as readers seek alternatives to corporate chains and digital reading platforms. While technology has made books more accessible, she believes nothing replaces the experience of browsing a physical bookstore, holding a book in your hands, and engaging in conversations with fellow book lovers.
“There’s a personal connection people are craving,” Warren says. “I’ve already made so many friends through this store. Books bring people together, and I think that’s something we’ve been missing.”
She’s focused on serving the community, helping people find books they love and expanding the store’s offerings. Though she’s not a voracious reader herself, she considers her role as a literary matchmaker. “My name means ‘helper’ and that’s what I love – helping people find the right book,” Warren says.
Her favorite book, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, reflects her philosophy. “I feel like I’m giving back by saving books from being discarded and putting them into the hands of people who will appreciate them,” she says.
With its welcoming atmosphere, affordable selection and strong community ties, Warren’s bookstore is more than just a shop. It’s a home for book lovers, a place where stories are shared, and a reminder that, sometimes, turning the page leads to something even better.
Comments 1
My wife and I stopped by Paige’s Books while we were in Shipshewana. It’s a great little book store with a very nice selection. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
We will definitely go back again when we’re in the area!