When the owner of the long-running Appletree Books in Cleveland Heights’ Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood retired in 2025, it wasn’t the end of the line for the space as a refuge for readers. Mary Pat Jolivette opened The Checkered Shelf Bookshop in the space in April 2026 and created a welcoming space for readers of all types. The welcoming shop’s designated sections for fiction, nonfiction, Young Adult, and children’s books include colorful wall designs and comfortable seating for patrons to browse potential selections. The shop also offers literature-adjacent gift items and a space for events such as book clubs, crafting, a kids’ songwriting class and even majong.. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday with evening hours until 9pm on Thursday through Saturday.
12419 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights
216-550-0401